blow on: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “blow on” mean?
To exhale air onto something, typically to cool it, clean it, or make it move.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To exhale air onto something, typically to cool it, clean it, or make it move.
To direct a current of air from one's mouth onto an object; can imply a gentle or testing action, or to bring something to attention.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the phrasal verb identically in literal contexts. The metaphorical 'blow the whistle on' is equally common.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “blow on” in a Sentence
[Subject] + blow on + [Direct Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blow on” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You should blow on your tea before sipping it.
- He blew on the old book to remove the dust.
American English
- Blow on the soup so you don't burn your tongue.
- She blew on her hands to warm them up.
adverb
British English
- He cooled it blow-on.
American English
- She applied the polish blow-on.
adjective
British English
- The blow-on cooling method is quite effective.
American English
- He used a blow-on technique for the hot metal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used literally. Metaphorically: 'The accountant decided to blow the whistle on the fraudulent scheme.'
Academic
Rare, except in descriptive contexts (e.g., anthropology: 'the ritual involves blowing on the sacred object').
Everyday
Very common: 'Careful, blow on your pizza, it's hot!'
Technical
Possible in specific fields like glassblowing ('blow on the molten glass') or first aid ('blow on the burn to cool it').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blow on”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blow on”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blow on”
- Using 'blow at' instead of 'blow on' for direct contact (He blew at the candle vs. He blew on the candle to cool the wax).
- Omitting 'on' in imperative instructions ('Blow your tea' instead of 'Blow on your tea').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Blow' is the general action. 'Blow on' specifies the target surface receiving the airflow. 'Blow out a candle' vs. 'Blow on the candle wax to cool it'.
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'blow it on'. It is always 'blow on something'.
Not directly. You 'blow a trumpet'. 'Blow on' implies the breath is directed onto the surface of the instrument, not into it, which would be incorrect for playing.
It is neutral to slightly informal. In very formal legal or academic writing, alternatives like 'disclose', 'expose', or 'report misconduct' might be preferred.
To exhale air onto something, typically to cool it, clean it, or make it move.
Blow on: in British English it is pronounced /bləʊ ɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /bloʊ ɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow the whistle on (expose wrongdoing)”
- “blow on it (wait a moment, be patient)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BLOW as wind from your mouth, and ON as the surface it touches: BLOW-ON.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION IS AIR ('He blew the whistle on the scandal' = He directed the 'air' of public attention onto it).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'blow on' used metaphorically?