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• blow-by-blow
  blow-by-blow

  adjective

  precisely detailed; describing every minute detail and step.
• blow by blow
  blow by blow

  Described in minute detail, as in Tell me about last night's party, blow by blow. This term originated in radio broadcasts during the 1930s, in which the sportscaster gave a detailed account of each punch struck in a boxing match. It soon was transferred to a detailed account of anything at all.

blow-by-blow

American  

[bloh-bahy-bloh] / ˈbloʊˌbaɪˈbloʊ /

adjective

1. precisely detailed; describing every minute detail and step.

   a blow-by-blow account of the tennis match; a blow-by-blow report on the wedding ceremony.

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noun

1. a blow-by-blow account.

blow-by-blow British  

adjective

1. (prenominal) explained in great detail

   a blow-by-blow account of the argument

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blow by blow Idioms  

1. Described in minute detail, as in Tell me about last night's party, blow by blow. This term originated in radio broadcasts during the 1930s, in which the sportscaster gave a detailed account of each punch struck in a boxing match. It soon was transferred to a detailed account of anything at all.

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Etymology

Origin of blow-by-blow

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blow-by-blow blow by blow

He provides a blow-by-blow account of the days leading up to the ruling’s publication, including internal communications between the judges that, as a rule, are never shared with the public.

From Slate ● Nov. 20, 2025

“Smile” seems like kids’ stuff next to the excruciating blow-by-blow of “West End Girl,” which was recorded speedily last December.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2025

The New York Times, which first reported on the upside-down flag, published a blow-by-blow account of the neighbourhood dispute on Tuesday.

From BBC ● May 29, 2024

Simpson trial, certainly wouldn’t have been the premier spectacle of a generation if not for the blow-by-blow live broadcast from Los Angeles to the rest of the world.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2024

I can’t even bring myself to call Ellen for the blow-by-blow.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

Witnessing the grudge play out blow by blow helps the audience understand the difference between two men trying to win a match and enemies desperate to annihilate each other.

From Salon ● Sep. 19, 2021

Do not follow up with the blow by blow you’ve presented here.

From Slate ● Mar. 22, 2020

After Kephart gave Harvill a blow by blow account, Harvill simply replied: “Well you all had a hell of a year anyway. You all will get them next year.”

From Washington Post ● Dec. 29, 2013

The Daily Mirror gives a blow by blow account and says it turned Parliament into the "Wild Westminster".

From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2012

I listened from the dining room while Dad in the kitchen gave Mom the blow by blow of that meeting.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam