Crossword Genius

Colourful source of surprise (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

blue

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This clue might be a double definition.

'colourful' is the first definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'source of surprise' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for blue that I've seen before include "Miserable; waste (money)" , "Colour of low spirits" , "Primary colour" , "Oxbridge player" , "Dejected" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Globe and Mail.
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