bloʊ ʌp
neutral
beginner
- Base verb:
- blow
- Particle:
- up
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "blow up" mean?
- To explode or cause to explode
- To inflate with air
- To suddenly become very angry
- To enlarge a photo
Examples
- The building blew up due to a gas leak.
- Can you blow up these balloons for the party?
- He blew up at me for no reason.
- I need to blow up this photo for the presentation.
- The scandal blew up into a major controversy.
How to use it
Multiple meanings - context is key. 'Blow-up' (noun) can mean explosion, enlarged photo, or an angry outburst.
Word order
Object can go between: 'blow the balloons up' or 'blow up the image'
Similar expressions
explode
inflate
enlarge
lose temper
Opposites
deflate
shrink
calm down
Related phrasal verbs
- blow over
To pass or subside without causing lasting damage.
- blow out
To extinguish a flame by blowing
- blow off
To ignore or skip an obligation
- get up
To rise from bed after sleeping
- turn up
To increase the volume, heat, or intensity of something
- give up
To stop trying to do something, often because it is too difficult
Use it in a practice answer
Try "blow up" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.