phew

interj. you say this when you are happy that something bad did not happen or that a difficult task is finished.

interj. used to express relief following the resolution of a tense or dangerous situation.

“Phew, I thought I had lost my passport, but it was just in my other bag.”

“Phew, that was a close call; if the manager had walked in a second earlier, he would have seen the surprise party preparations.”

Informal

interj. you say this when you are very tired or feeling very hot.

interj. used to express physical exhaustion or a reaction to oppressive heat.

“Phew, it is absolutely boiling in this office today.”

“Phew, I am exhausted after climbing all those stairs because the elevator was broken again.”

Informal

interj. you say this when something smells very bad.

interj. used to express disgust, specifically in response to an unpleasant or overpowering odour.

“Phew, what is that smell coming from the fridge?”

“Phew, someone needs to take the bins out immediately because the smell is becoming unbearable.”

Informal