Jump to:

• 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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of blow-by-blow

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

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

It was painstaking, and sometimes dull, and included a blow-by-blow account about how checks were approved, then cut, then mailed, then signed, then returned.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 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 figured my dad was going to give my mom a blow-by-blow of the awkward fencing lesson and all the reasons I should never go back.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad