bloʊ ɒf
informal
intermediate
- Base verb:
- blow
- Particle:
- off
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "blow off" mean?
- To ignore or skip an obligation
- To dismiss someone rudely
- To release pent-up energy or emotion
Examples
- He blew off the meeting to go golfing.
- She totally blew me off when I tried to talk to her.
- I need to blow off some steam after this stressful week.
- Don't blow off your responsibilities.
- The boss blew off my suggestions completely.
How to use it
'Blow off steam' means to release tension through activity. 'Blow someone off' is quite rude - means to ignore or stand them up.
Word order
Object can go between: 'blow someone off' or 'blow off the appointment'
Similar expressions
ignore
skip
dismiss
release
Opposites
attend
acknowledge
respect
Related phrasal verbs
- blow over
To pass or subside without causing lasting damage.
- blow up
To explode or cause to explode
- blow out
To extinguish a flame by blowing
- turn off
To stop a device or appliance by pressing a switch or button
- get off
To leave a bus, train, plane, or other public transport
- go off
To explode or fire (bomb, gun, fireworks)
Use it in a practice answer
Try "blow off" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.