blow in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, conversational. Less common in formal writing.
Quick answer
What does “blow in” mean?
To arrive somewhere, especially suddenly, unexpectedly, or casually.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To arrive somewhere, especially suddenly, unexpectedly, or casually.
Can refer to wind or a storm entering a space, or to the act of something being forced inward by an explosion or pressure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'arrive' sense is used in both, but may be perceived as slightly more informal or dated in American English. The literal 'wind/storm' sense is universal.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Can imply a breezy, carefree, or sometimes inconsiderate arrival.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both. More likely in spoken narratives than in general prose.
Grammar
How to Use “blow in” in a Sentence
[Subject] + blow in + (to/from) + [Place][Subject] + blow in + [Adverb (unannounced, unexpectedly)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blow in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He might just blow in for a cuppa later.
- The gale blew in the kitchen window.
- A bunch of old mates blew in from Manchester.
American English
- She just blew in from LA last night.
- The hurricane blew in the garage door.
- Don't worry about invitations; people will just blow in.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The new consultant just blew in from headquarters.'
Academic
Very rare, except in literary or descriptive passages.
Everyday
Common for describing casual/unexpected arrivals. 'Don't make plans; he might just blow in.'
Technical
In engineering, can describe the failure of a structure due to internal pressure forcing it inward (e.g., 'The hatch blew in.')
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blow in”
- Using it for planned arrivals: *'The train blew in at 5pm.' (Incorrect)
- Confusing with separable phrasal verb: 'Blow the door in' (force it open) is different.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and conversational. Avoid it in formal reports or academic writing.
Yes, for weather (storms, wind) or the result of an explosion (e.g., 'The door blew in').
"Blow-in" is a noun, often slightly derogatory, meaning a newcomer or outsider to a settled community.
Not always, but that is the strong implication when referring to people arriving. It suggests a lack of prior formal arrangement.
To arrive somewhere, especially suddenly, unexpectedly, or casually.
Blow in: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbləʊ ˈɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbloʊ ˈɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow in like a hurricane”
- “blow in on the wind”
- “blow in out of the blue”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a gust of wind (BLOW) pushing a door open and someone casually walking IN with it, unannounced.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A FORCE OF NATURE (wind/storm). ARRIVAL IS AN INTRUSIVE NATURAL EVENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'blow in' LEAST appropriate?