The TVTropes Trope Finder is where you can come to ask questions like "Do we have this one?" and "What's the trope about...?" Trying to rediscover a long lost show or other medium but need a little help? Head to Media Finder and try your luck there. Want to propose a new trope? You should be over at the Trope Launch Pad.
partner555
Since: Dec, 2010
2024-10-15 17:14:27
Perhaps Didn't See That Coming? Alice had the reasonable expectation she'd get her bonus before being blindsided by the news she won't get it.
Ner0014reN
Since: Aug, 2023
Scorpion451
(Edited uphill both ways)
2024-10-16 11:51:58
For the general case, seconding Didn't See That Coming, and adding Diabolus ex Machina when its particularly out of the blue.

Alice always gets a Christmas bonus from her company. This year, she decides to book a vacation intending to pay for it with the bonus. However, for the first time since she's worked there, the company will not be paying the bonus, leaving her stuck with the vacation expenses.
I don't think it's A Fool and His New Money Are Soon Parted. A.) She never actually had the money and B.) I don't think she's a fool as she had a reasonable expectation of having it. That's the closest to the ballpark I've found though. Any other thoughts?
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is probably the most famous example of this. TIA!