ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go or blow

idiom
Meaning

Of a car or its engine: to perform either very well or not at all.


Examples
SIMPLE

This old truck is either go or blow on the highway.

CONTEXTUAL

The mechanic warned me that the modified engine is strictly go or blow during a race.

COMPLEX

Given the volatile nature of the vintage racing engine, the driver knew the performance would be go or blow.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all dressed up and nowhere to go

    Elaborately attired or otherwise fully prepared for an anticipated situation or activity which, nevertheless, fails to occur.

  2. 02

    all systems go

    Everything is ready.

  3. 03

    as the wind blows

    According to any given circumstances.

  4. 04

    as you go

    While one is doing (something); as one progresses.

  5. 05

    blow a fuse

    To lose one's temper; to become enraged.

  6. 06

    blow a hole through

    To destroy the integrity or cohesion of.

  7. 07

    blow a kiss

    To kiss one's own hand, then blow on it in a direction towards the recipient.

  8. 08

    blow away

    To kill (someone) by shooting them with a firearm.

Last updated April 17, 2026