blow out
B1Informal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To extinguish something (like a flame or candle) by blowing air on it; to burst or explode suddenly.
To defeat someone decisively; to expand or swell; to celebrate lavishly; to clear (e.g., a blocked pipe) with air pressure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning shifts significantly based on context (literal vs. figurative). As a noun ('blowout'), it can mean a decisive victory, a burst tyre, or a lavish party.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'blow out' for a tyre is common; 'blowout' as a noun for a large meal/party is slightly less frequent than in American English. 'Blow out the candles' is universal.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'blowout sale' suggests a major discount event. Sports 'blowout' (decisive win) is more strongly associated with American English.
Frequency
The phrasal verb is equally common. The noun 'blowout' is more frequent in American English across all meanings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] blow out [Object] (e.g., blow out the candles)[Subject] blow [Object] out (e.g., blow the candles out)[Subject] blow out (intransitive, e.g., The tyre blew out)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow out of proportion (exaggerate)”
- “blow out the cobwebs (refresh oneself)”
- “blowout sale (big discount event)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a budget or forecast that exceeds expectations significantly (e.g., 'cost blowout').
Academic
Rare; may appear in engineering contexts (e.g., 'blowout preventer' in drilling).
Everyday
Very common for birthdays (candles), vehicle problems (tyres), and sports scores.
Technical
In engineering/geology: an uncontrolled release of oil/gas from a well.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Don't forget to blow out all the candles.
- The lorry's tyre blew out on the motorway.
- We'll blow out the dust from the old pipes.
American English
- Make a wish and blow out the candles.
- A pothole caused my tire to blow out.
- The storm blew out several windows.
adverb
British English
- This usage is not standard for 'blow out' as an adverb.
American English
- This usage is not standard for 'blow out' as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- It was a blow-out victory for the home team.
- We had a blow-out meal to celebrate.
American English
- The game was a blowout by halftime.
- They're having a blowout sale this weekend.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please blow out the candle before you go to sleep.
- The balloon will blow out if you put too much air in it.
- I had to pull over because my tyre blew out.
- They blew out the other team 5-0 in the final.
- The scandal was completely blown out of proportion by the media.
- A blowout preventer is a critical safety device in oil drilling.
- The project suffered a massive cost blowout due to unforeseen complications.
- The diplomatic incident threatened to blow out into a full-scale trade war.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a birthday cake. You BLOW with your mouth to make the flames GO OUT. BLOW + OUT = force air to make something stop/extinguish/explode.
Conceptual Metaphor
AIR/WIND AS A FORCE FOR REMOVAL, DESTRUCTION, OR CLEANSING (blow out a candle, blow out a tyre).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'дуть вне' – it's nonsensical. For 'blow out a candle', use 'задуть свечу'. For 'tyre blowout', use 'разрыв шины' or 'прокол'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'blow off' instead of 'blow out' for candles/tyres. Incorrect: *'Blow off the candles.' Correct: 'Blow out the candles.'
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what is the MOST LIKELY meaning of 'blowout' in a shopping context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb. You can say 'blow out the candle' or 'blow the candle out'.
'Blow up' means to explode or inflate. 'Blow out' means to extinguish by blowing or to burst from internal pressure (like a tyre).
Yes, informally, e.g., 'a blowout victory' (a very easy win) or 'a blowout party' (a big, lavish party).
It is generally neutral to informal. In technical contexts (like 'blowout preventer'), it is standard professional terminology.