Meaning
The phrasal verb blow up has several meanings depending on context:
- Explode – to burst or cause to burst violently.
- Enlarge – to make something bigger, such as a photo or image.
- Lose temper – to suddenly become very angry.
- Fail suddenly – when something breaks down or collapses unexpectedly.
- Increase greatly – to grow or expand rapidly (e.g., in popularity).
Grammar and Usage
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Verb type: Phrasal verb (transitive & intransitive, depending on meaning).
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Common patterns:
- blow up (something) → transitive (explode/destroy).
- blow up at someone → intransitive (lose temper).
- blow up into something → intransitive (develop into).
- be blown up → passive form (destroyed by explosion).
Common Phrases
- blow up a balloon
- blow up a photo
- blow up at someone
- blow up in someone’s face (a plan failing badly)
Collocations
- blow up a building
- blow up the bridge
- blow up into an argument
- blow up in popularity
- completely blow up
Examples
- The bomb blew up in the middle of the night.
- She got angry and suddenly blew up at her friend.
- Could you blow up this photo to poster size?
- The plan blew up in their faces when the investors pulled out.
- The singer’s new song blew up online and went viral.
- He threatened to blow up the old factory.
- The small disagreement soon blew up into a big argument.
- The car engine suddenly blew up on the highway.
Synonyms or Related
- explode
- detonate
- enlarge
- magnify
- lose temper
- burst out
Antonym
- calm down
- shrink
- defuse