# blow down

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blow-down
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

when a strong wind makes something fall to the ground.

For teachers: to cause something to fall or collapse by the force of wind; typically used with structures, trees, or fences.

## Examples

- The storm blew down the old fence.
- Several large trees were blown down during the hurricane last night, blocking the main road.
- Engineers warned that the temporary scaffolding might be blown down if the gale-force winds exceeded sixty miles per hour.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The wind blew down it." but "The wind blew it down." — when using a pronoun like 'it', you must place it between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- often used in the passive voice when describing the results of a storm.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'blow away', which implies the object is carried off into the distance, whereas 'blow down' implies it simply falls over.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.