Phrasal verb
blow up
Meanings
To explode or be destroyed by an explosion.
To fill something with air (or gas) so it becomes larger.
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To suddenly become very angry.
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Definition
To blow up means to suddenly explode or to become suddenly very angry.
“Blow up” is a common phrasal verb with a few everyday meanings. It can mean to explode or be destroyed by an explosion, or to make something inflate bigger by filling it with air. It can also mean to suddenly become very angry and speak or act harshly.
Examples
- The old factory might blow up if the fire reaches the tanks.
- I need to blow up these balloons before the guests arrive.
- She blew up when she saw the messy kitchen.
- They blew up at each other during the group project meeting.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “blow up” (inflate) with “blow out” (extinguish), such as saying “blow up the candles” instead of “blow out the candles.”
More intransitive phrasal verbs
- wake up To stop sleeping and become awake.
- slow down To slow down means to reduce speed or activity and move or happen less quickly.
- calm down To calm down means to become less upset, angry, or excited.
- slow up To slow up means to become slower or to make someone or something go more slowly.
- burn down To burn down means to be completely destroyed by fire.