blow away
Britishverb
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to kill (someone) by shooting
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to defeat decisively
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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]
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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.
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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 .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
DoorDash revealed a set of financial results and guidance that didn’t blow away analyst expectations but the stock nonetheless was rallying on Thursday.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
DoorDash revealed a set of financial results and guidance that didn’t blow away analyst expectations but the stock nonetheless was rallying in premarket trade on Thursday.
From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026
Luckily the unexpected havoc didn’t blow away all the good vibes.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026
Price ground out a 6-4 win over Stephen Bunting, who still remains without a win, in the quarter-finals, before producing a stunning display to blow away Michael van Gerwen 6-1 in the semi-finals.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2025
Pleased, Alexander spread the picture on a windowsill and weighed the corners down with books so it would not blow away.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
