God’s judgment on wicked and corrupt behavior will arrive suddenly and unexpectedly when people least anticipate it." Like a Thief in the Night"
This is the most common biblical metaphor for unexpected judgment, emphasizing that people will be carrying on with normal life right before it hits.

2 Peter 3:10: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."

Revelation 16:15: "Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!"