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blow away

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blow away

[for something light] to be carried away by the wind. The leaves blew away on the autumn winds. My papers blew away!

See also: away, blow

blow someone away

 

1. Sl. [for something shocking or exciting] to overwhelm a person; to excite a person very much. The amount of the check blew me away. The loud noise from the concert blew me away.

2. Sl. to murder someone, usually by gunfire. Mr. Big ordered Lefty to blow Max away. Max tried to blow Lefty away.

See also: away, blow

blow someone or something away

[for the wind] to carry someone or something away. The wind almost blew her away. It nearly blew away all the houses.

See also: away, blow

blow somebody away

also blow away somebody

1. to cause someone great pleasure or surprise knock somebody off their feet Everyone I tell that story to, I mean everyone, is just blown away. That new exhibit of ancient gold objects at the museum is so amazing, it will blow you away! Related vocabulary: blow your mind

2. to defeat someone completely The Warriors ended an 11-game losing streak by blowing away the Boston Beans 101-87.

3. (slang) to kill someone It's basically a dull movie except for the scene where Francie gets to blow away some bad guys. You know, it probably won't be an accident that blows me away but some health problem. Related vocabulary: blow somebody's brains out

See also: away, blow

blow away

1. Kill, especially by gunshot or explosion. For example, The unit reported that the whole village was blown away. This usage became particularly widespread in the 1960s, during the Vietnam War. [Slang; early 1990s]

2. Overcome easily; defeat decisively. For example, Ann said the test would be easy; she would just blow it away, or Jim was sure his crew could blow away their opponents. [Slang; 1960s] Also see blow off, def. 5.

3. Impress greatly, overwhelm with surprise, delight, or shock, as in That music really blew me away. [Slang; c. 1970] Also see blow one's mind.

See also: away, blow

blow away

v.

1. To be carried or pushed away by the force of moving air: I left the newspaper on the table and it blew away.

2. To carry or push something away by the force of moving air: The wind blows the fallen leaves away. The storm blew away all the laundry from the clothesline.

3. Slang To affect someone intensely in mind or emotion: Your wonderful new poems really blow me away. Their amazing performance blew away every member of the audience.

4. Slang To kill someone, especially with a firearm: The gang entered their rival's hideout, ready to blow away everyone. The thieves threatened to blow me away if I didn't tell them where I hid the money.

5. Slang To defeat someone or something decisively: The confident chess player blew away every challenger. The visiting soccer team was much better than our team and easily blew us away.

See also: away, blow