blow: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘blow’ mean?
The idiom "blow" is a versatile term with multiple meanings. As a verb, it can refer to forcefully exhalation of air, a sudden loss or destruction, or a failure. As a noun, it can mean a hard stroke, a strong wind, or a chance or opportunity. In slang, it can mean to ruin or spoil something. The exact meaning is determined by the context in which it is used.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "strike a blow" means to make a forceful or significant action or effort to achieve a desired result or to fight against something perceived as negative or unjust.
The idiom "dry up and blow away" means to disappear or become forgotten, often due to lack of attention or relevance. It conveys the idea of something becoming insignificant or irrelevant over time.
The idiom "blow to kingdom come" means to completely destroy something or someone with a powerful explosion.
The idiom "blow this pop stand" means to leave or exit a place, particularly when one is dissatisfied or bored with the current situation.
The idiom "blow the whistle" means to expose or report illegal or unethical activities, often within an organization, to authorities or the public.
"Blow the lid off" is an idiom that means to expose or reveal something shocking or secret, often causing a scandal or controversy.
The idiom "blow the doors off" means to greatly surpass or exceed expectations or performance, often in a remarkable or astonishing way.
The idiom "blow someone's mind" means to completely astonish or impress someone with a surprising or extraordinary experience or information.
The idiom "blow someone's brains out" means to shoot someone in the head with such force that their brains are literally dispersed or damaged. It is an extreme and graphic expression typically used to convey violence or brutality.
The idiom "blow smoke" means to make false or exaggerated statements, often to deceive or distract others. It can also refer to the act of speaking in a vague or confusing manner to confuse or mislead.
Elusive Explanations
The word "blow" in American English has multiple meanings and uses. Its primary definition refers to the act of exhaling forcefully through the mouth. This literal meaning can be applied to various situations, such as blowing out candles, blowing bubbles, or blowing one's nose.
Additionally, the word "blow" is used in several idiomatic expressions. One common phrase is "blow off steam," which means to release or relieve stress or tension. This can be done through engaging in a physical or verbal outburst. The phrase highlights the idea of forcefully letting out emotions, similar to the release of steam from a pressure cooker.
Another idiomatic use of "blow" is in the phrase "blow one's chance/opportunity." This phrase indicates a failure to take advantage of an opportunity or the ruining of one's chances for success. It suggests a missed opportunity or a failure to make the most of a situation, as if the opportunity has been blown away or scattered like the wind.
Furthermore, the idiom "blow the whistle" involves exposing or revealing wrongdoing or illegal activities, often by reporting them to the authorities. This phrase draws a parallel between the action of blowing a whistle as a signal or alert and the act of drawing attention to the wrongdoing and sounding an alarm.
In a more informal context, "blow" is used in the slang expression "blow someone's mind." This phrase conveys a sense of greatly astonishing or impressing someone. It suggests that something is so surprising or incredible that it figuratively blows the person's mind away, leaving them in a state of awe or disbelief.
Additionally, "blow" is also found in the phrase "blow over." This idiom implies that a situation or problem will naturally diminish or resolve itself over time, without significant consequences. The expression evokes the idea of a storm or disturbance gradually subsiding, as if it were blown away by the wind.
Another idiomatic phrase, "blow hot and cold," describes a frequent change in attitude, opinion, or behavior towards something. It involves alternating between enthusiasm and indifference. This expression compares a person's attitude to fluctuating temperatures, where it blows hot like a heated gust one moment and cold like a chilly breeze the next.
These idiomatic expressions highlight the versatility and vibrancy of the word "blow" in American English. It goes beyond its literal meaning of exhaling forcefully and encompasses a range of meanings and nuances. Whether it's about releasing emotions, missing opportunities, exposing wrongdoing, astonishing someone, resolving issues, or displaying inconsistent attitudes, "blow" serves as a dynamic word in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of the idiom "blow" used in sentences:
- He blew out the candles on his birthday cake.
- The strong wind blew the leaves off the trees.
- The team blew a three-goal lead in the final minutes of the game.
More "verb" idioms
