Confused by phrases like “blow up” or “blow off”? You’re not alone! This guide breaks down the most common phrasal verbs with “blow,” explains their meanings, and shows you how to use them confidently. Let’s make mastering these phrases a breeze!

What does ‘blow’ mean?

The word ‘blow‘ can mean many different things. As a verb, the meaning is to expel air through the mouth or a current of wind.

For example:

  • If you blow onto my hand, the card will disappear. (expel air)
  • The strong wind is blowing through the forest. (wind)

 

Blow is an irregular verb. The past tense is blew and the past participle is blown.

phrasal verbs with blow list

Phrasal verbs with “blow” are all about wind, air, and sudden actions. Whether it’s blowing out a candle or blowing up in anger, these expressions are super common and add a lot of punch to everyday talk. They’re easy to learn and fun to use!
Cartoon cloud with a face blowing air, representing the action of "blow."

blow apart

meaning – violently break something into pieces
example – Their argument completely blew their friendship apart.

Cartoon of a castle being blown apart by dynamite, with debris and fire illustrating destruction.

blow someone away/be blown away

meaning – to amaze someone
example – I watched a really good film about aliens, the special effects blew me away.

Illustration showing the phrasal verb "blow away."

blow back

meaning – be pushed or forced backwards
example – As John opened the window, the wind blew the curtains back violently.

Silhouette blown back by explosion between two cars, with flames and smoke.

blow off

meaning – release pressure
example – I’ll take the kids to the park; they need to blow off some steam.

Cartoon illustrating the phrasal verb "blow off."

blow out

meaning – extinguish a fire with your mouth
example – Can you close the window? The gas has already blown out twice.

Cartoon illustrating the phrasal verb "blow out."

blow over

meaning – pass without anything bad happening
example – Just keep your head down for a few weeks and it will all blow over.

Cartoon of a person with an umbrella, hiding indoors from a storm with rain and lightning, illustrating the phrasal verb "blow over."

blow up

meaning – inflate with air, enlarge, use explosives to destroy
example – I need to stop by the garage on the way home, my tyres need blowing up.

Cartoon of a worker in a hard hat standing near an old, damaged castle, preparing to blow it up with explosives.

You can download a table of phrasal verbs with blow below.

And there you have it – everything you need to know about phrasal verbs with “blow.” Whether it’s “blow up,” “blow over,” or “blow away,” mastering these expressions can really help you sound more natural in English conversations. Don’t stop here – head over to my other phrasal verb pages to explore more popular English phrases that will level up your English skills. Keep practising, and you’ll be blowing everyone away with your language skills in no time!