blow-by: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic, technical
Quick answer
What does “blow-by” mean?
A detailed, step-by-step description or account of events, often in chronological order.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A detailed, step-by-step description or account of events, often in chronological order.
A detailed narrative report, often implying a moment-by-moment or sequential breakdown, sometimes focusing on minor or intimate details that are usually omitted from summaries. Can also refer to a technical phenomenon in internal combustion engines where combustion gases leak past the piston rings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties. The metaphorical sense is more common than the technical engine sense in general discourse.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly negative in journalism (implying overly detailed, potentially intrusive reporting). Neutral/technical in engineering contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech. More common in written journalism, documentary narration, and technical manuals.
Grammar
How to Use “blow-by” in a Sentence
give [someone] a blow-by (of [event])provide a blow-by[event] blow-byVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blow-by” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She gave a blow-by-blow account of the parliamentary debate.
- The documentary offered a blow-by-blow reconstruction of the heist.
American English
- The coach demanded a blow-by-blow report of the scrimmage.
- Her blog provided a blow-by-blow description of the court proceedings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in post-mortem analysis of a failed project or negotiation.
Academic
Rare. Could be used in historical studies describing events in detail.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound formal or journalistic.
Technical
Yes. Standard term in mechanical engineering for piston ring leakage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blow-by”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He blow-byed the event'). It is primarily a noun used in the fixed phrase 'blow-by-blow'.
- Misspelling as 'blowby' (as one word) is common but 'blow-by' with a hyphen is standard for the metaphorical sense.
- Confusing it with the phrasal verb 'blow by' (to move past).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the metaphorical phrase 'blow-by-blow account', hyphens are standard. The technical engineering term is often written as one word: 'blowby'.
No, it is not standard. The term functions as a noun in a compound adjective ('blow-by-blow') or as a noun on its own in technical contexts.
It originates from early 20th-century boxing commentary, where radio announcers would describe each punch (blow) as it landed.
No, it's relatively rare and formal. You are more likely to encounter it in journalism, documentaries, or technical writing.
A detailed, step-by-step description or account of events, often in chronological order.
Blow-by is usually formal, journalistic, technical in register.
Blow-by: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbləʊ ˈbaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbloʊ ˈbaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow-by-blow account”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a boxing commentator giving a 'blow-by-blow' description of each punch (blow) as it happens.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVENTS ARE PHYSICAL BLOWS (each event or detail is conceptualised as a distinct impact).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'blow-by' used as a standard technical term?