noun
unexpected windfall; godsend; stroke of luck
Abbreviation of 棚から牡丹餅 (a botamochi falling from a shelf), referring to a sudden, unearned piece of good fortune. Casual and often used in everyday conversation.
See also: 棚から牡丹餅
宝くじが当たるなんて、まさに棚ぼただ。
Winning the lottery is a real windfall.
先輩が使わないパソコンをくれた。棚ぼたでラッキー。
My senior gave me a computer he wasn't using. What a lucky break!
Full kanji spelling; rarely used.
The full proverb from which 棚ぼた is abbreviated. 棚ぼた is a casual, clipped form used as a noun.
Abbreviation of the proverb 棚から牡丹餅 (a botamochi falling from a shelf), meaning an unexpected piece of luck.