Phrasal Verb - Blowing up
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.Definition
The phrasal verb "blow up" carries several distinct meanings, making its interpretation context-dependent. Primarily, it refers to the act of exploding or causing something to explode, often resulting in destruction, such as when a bomb detonates or a building is demolished. It can also mean to inflate something with air or gas, like a balloon, a tire, or an inflatable raft. In a different sense, "blow up" signifies the act of enlarging a photograph, a drawing, or a plan to a bigger scale. Metaphorically, it can describe someone suddenly becoming very angry, often directed at another person or a situation. Furthermore, it can be used to describe a plan, a project, or a situation that fails spectacularly or goes disastrously wrong, often with severe consequences. Less commonly, it might refer to something becoming very popular or successful very quickly, akin to 'exploding in popularity,' though other phrasings are often preferred for this specific nuance.
Examples
| No. | Example |
|---|---|
| 1 | The demolition crew had to blow up the old factory to make way for the new development. |
| 2 | Could you help me blow up these party balloons before the guests arrive? |
| 3 | His patience ran out, and he finally blew up at his assistant for the repeated mistakes. |
| 4 | The photographer offered to blow up the small wedding photo to poster size. |
| 5 | A faulty gas line caused the entire house to blow up, leading to extensive damage. |
| 6 | The car tire blew up after hitting a sharp piece of metal on the highway. |
| 7 | Their elaborate plan to corner the market blew up in their faces when a competitor launched a similar product. |
| 8 | The children loved watching the clown blow up animal shapes from long balloons. |
| 9 | Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the oil rig to blow up. |
| 10 | Make sure to blow up the air mattress completely before anyone tries to sleep on it. |