Phrasal verb
blow away
Definition
phrasal verb. to impress or surprise you very much because something is so good or powerful.
phrasal verb. To impress, surprise, or overwhelm someone significantly. Transitive; frequently occurs in the passive voice or with a pronominal object between the verb and particle.
Examples
“The singer's voice will blow you away.”
“I was completely blown away by the quality of the food at that tiny local restaurant.”
“The sheer scale of the architectural project, with its intricate glass facades and sustainable energy systems, is enough to blow away even the most cynical critics.”
Examples
simple
“The singer's voice will blow you away.”
contextual
“I was completely blown away by the quality of the food at that tiny local restaurant.”
complex
“The sheer scale of the architectural project, with its intricate glass facades and sustainable energy systems, is enough to blow away even the most cynical critics.”
Usage
Usually takes a person as the object and often appears in the passive form 'to be blown away by'.
Teaching tip
Contrast the figurative meaning of being impressed with the literal meaning of wind moving an object to help students visualize the impact.
Pitfall
The movie blew away me.
The movie blew me away.
When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
away
Separability
separable
Pattern
blow + object + away
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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