overblow
Americanverb (used with object)
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to give excessive importance or value to.
to overblow one's own writing.
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to overinflate.
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to blow over the surface of, as the wind, sand, or the like.
dead leaves overblowing the yard.
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to blow (a wind instrument or an organ pipe) in such a way as to produce overtones.
verb (used without object)
verb
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music to blow into (a wind instrument) with greater force than normal in order to obtain a harmonic or overtone instead of the fundamental tone
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to blow (a wind instrument) or (of a wind instrument) to be blown too hard
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to blow over, away, or across
Etymology
Origin of overblow
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at over-, blow 2
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.
I’ve just always tried to be ethical and responsible and not overblow a situation or oversell a storm.
From Slate • Sep. 30, 2022
But the overblow and waste has many analysts and public officials scratching their heads.
From Fox News • May 1, 2020
There was nary a flub in the woodwinds, the brass didn’t overblow and the strings played with bold sinew.
From Washington Post • Sep. 30, 2016
“He doesn’t overblow his own horn,” Slatin said.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2015
My lord, be not dismay'd for what is past; You know that women oft are humorous: These clouds will overblow with little wind; Let me alone, I'll scatter them myself.
From The Spanish Tragedy by Kyd, Thomas
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.
