blow away
Impress or surprise someone greatly
Literally: to be moved to a distance by a current of air
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means moved by wind.
- Figuratively means to be totally impressed.
- Commonly used for praise and surprises.
Meaning
This phrase describes something being moved or carried away by a strong wind. It can also mean being completely amazed or impressed by something incredible.
Key Examples
3 of 6Walking in a park
Hold onto your hat or it might blow away!
Hold onto your hat or it might blow away!
After watching a movie
The special effects in that film completely blew me away.
The special effects in that film completely blew me away.
In a business meeting
I was blown away by the quarterly sales figures.
I was blown away by the quarterly sales figures.
Cultural Background
Americans use 'blow away' very frequently as part of a culture that values enthusiasm and superlatives. It is common in business pitches to promise to 'blow the client away.' While common, it might be used with a touch of irony or followed by a more reserved comment. A Brit might say 'I was blown away,' then immediately point out a small flaw to balance the praise. In a culture that values 'Kandō' (being deeply moved), 'blow away' is a good translation for that intense emotional response, though the English phrase feels more 'explosive' than the Japanese concept. Australians often use 'blown away' in a very laid-back, sincere way, especially regarding nature or community efforts.
Use it for Reviews
If you're writing a review on Yelp or TripAdvisor, using 'blown away' instantly signals a 5-star experience.
Pronoun Placement
Never say 'blow away it.' It sounds very unnatural. Always 'blow it away.'
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means moved by wind.
- Figuratively means to be totally impressed.
- Commonly used for praise and surprises.
What It Means
At its simplest, blow away is about the wind. Imagine a leaf or your hat disappearing during a storm. That is the literal meaning. However, in modern English, we use it more often to talk about being shocked. It means you are so impressed that you feel like you've been physically knocked over. It is a powerful way to say 'wow.'
How To Use It
You can use it literally: 'The wind blew away my papers.' Or you can use it figuratively: 'Her performance blew me away.' Notice the word order change. When you are amazed, you usually put the person in the middle. You can also say 'I was blown away.' This is common when you are the one feeling the surprise. It works for movies, food, or even a kind gesture.
When To Use It
Use it when 'good' or 'cool' isn't enough. Use it when your friend shows you a hidden talent. Use it after a five-star meal that changed your life. In a meeting, use it to praise a teammate's brilliant presentation. It shows genuine enthusiasm and high energy. It’s perfect for those 'jaw-dropping' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using the 'amazed' meaning in very tragic situations. If someone tells you sad news, don't say you are blown away. It sounds too positive or excited. Also, be careful with the literal meaning if something valuable is lost. If your boss's contract blew away in the wind, maybe just say it was 'lost' first. You don't want to sound too casual about a disaster!
Cultural Background
This expression comes from the idea of a force so strong you can't stand still. Americans love using 'big' language. We don't just 'like' things; we are 'blown away' by them. It reflects a culture that values high-energy praise and visible reactions. It became very popular in the late 20th century through music and film reviews.
Common Variations
You might hear blow someone's mind. That is a bit more 'trippy' or intellectual. There is also blown out of the water, which means to totally defeat something. If you want to be short, just say 'That was mind-blowing!' It carries the same weight as being blown away but focuses on the object.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile. Use it literally for wind and figuratively for high-level praise. Just remember to use the correct past tense 'blew' and participle 'blown'.
Use it for Reviews
If you're writing a review on Yelp or TripAdvisor, using 'blown away' instantly signals a 5-star experience.
Pronoun Placement
Never say 'blow away it.' It sounds very unnatural. Always 'blow it away.'
Hyperbole Alert
English speakers use this a lot. Sometimes they aren't *literally* stunned, they are just being very polite or enthusiastic.
Examples
6Hold onto your hat or it might blow away!
Hold onto your hat or it might blow away!
Literal use regarding the wind.
The special effects in that film completely blew me away.
The special effects in that film completely blew me away.
Expressing deep admiration for quality.
I was blown away by the quarterly sales figures.
I was blown away by the quarterly sales figures.
Professional praise for good results.
The lead singer's voice blew me away tonight!
The lead singer's voice blew me away tonight!
High energy informal communication.
I tried to act cool, but then my wig blew away.
I tried to act cool, but then my wig blew away.
Literal use in a funny context.
Your kindness truly blows me away.
Your kindness truly blows me away.
Emotional response to a nice gesture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'blow away'. Remember the pronoun rule!
I saw the new Avengers movie last night and it totally ____.
The past tense is 'blew' and the pronoun 'me' must go in the middle.
Which sentence uses the literal meaning of 'blow away'?
Choose the correct option:
This refers to physical movement caused by wind.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Did you hear Sarah's presentation? B: Yes, I was ____ by her research.
We use the passive 'was blown away' to describe a feeling.
Match the sentence to the context.
'They blew the other team away.'
In sports, it means to win by a large margin.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI saw the new Avengers movie last night and it totally ____.
The past tense is 'blew' and the pronoun 'me' must go in the middle.
Choose the correct option:
This refers to physical movement caused by wind.
A: Did you hear Sarah's presentation? B: Yes, I was ____ by her research.
We use the passive 'was blown away' to describe a feeling.
'They blew the other team away.'
In sports, it means to win by a large margin.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt started as slang but is now considered a standard informal idiom. You can use it with your boss, but maybe not in a legal contract.
Usually no. It is almost always for positive amazement. For negative shock, use 'appalled' or 'horrified.'
'Blown away' is for amazement. 'Blown over' is for a storm or a problem that passes without causing damage.
Yes! Saying 'I was blown away by your company's recent innovation' shows enthusiasm and modern vocabulary.
Yes, but that's very literal and sounds like a tornado! For small things like hats, it's very common.
In casual conversation, yes. 'Amazed' is a bit more formal and 'textbook.'
Use 'blew away.' For example: 'The concert blew me away last night.'
Yes. 'She blew me away' means her personality or talent impressed you.
There isn't a direct phrasal verb opposite, but you could say 'underwhelmed' or 'disappointed.'
Usually, yes. Only sentient beings (people, maybe pets) can be figuratively blown away.
Related Phrases
blow one's mind
similarTo shock or amaze someone intensely.
knock your socks off
synonymTo thoroughly impress someone.
blow over
contrastWhen a problem disappears without serious consequences.
blow off
contrastTo ignore someone or a responsibility.
