blow-up

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An explosion: "blow-up" refers to a violent release of energy, such as a bomb blast.
    • A sudden outburst of anger: It means a heated argument or a fit of rage.
    • An enlarged photograph: In photography, a "blow-up" is a print that has been magnified from a negative or smaller print.
    • A major incident: Informally, it can denote a scandal or significant event.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The blow-up of the chemical plant was heard miles away. (An explosion at the factory.)
    • They had a terrible blow-up over money matters. (A loud argument or angry confrontation.)
    • I ordered a blow-up of our wedding photo to hang on the wall. (An enlarged photograph.)
    • The party ended in a blow-up when the police arrived. (A disruptive incident.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to have a blow-up": to experience an explosive argument or emotional outburst.

    • She had a blow-up with her boss and quit her job. (She had a sudden, intense quarrel.)

  • "a blow-up doll": an inflatable doll, often used as a toy or for practical jokes.

    • The prank involved a blow-up doll dressed in a suit. (An inflatable human figure.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Blow up (verb phrase): to explode or cause to explode; to become angry suddenly.

    • The bomb blew up the building. (The bomb destroyed the building.)
    • He blew up when he heard the news. (He became extremely angry.)

  • Blow-up (adj): capable of being inflated.

    • The children played with a blow-up raft in the pool. (An inflatable raft.)
Synonyms
  • Explosion: a sudden, violent release of energy.
  • Outburst: a sudden release of strong emotion.
  • Enlargement: a larger version of a photograph.
  • Quarrel: an angry disagreement.
Phrasal Verbs

  • Blow up (intransitive): to explode or lose one's temper.

    • The boiler blew up due to high pressure. (The boiler exploded.)
    • Don't blow up; let's talk calmly. (Don't get angry.)

  • Blow up (transitive): to cause something to explode; to enlarge a photograph.

    • The engineers blew up the old bridge. (They demolished it with explosives.)
    • I'll blow up this picture for the album. (I will make an enlarged print.)
Related Idioms

  • Blow up in one's face: to backfire or have an unexpectedly negative result.

    • His plan to cheat blew up in his face when he was caught. (The plan failed disastrously for him.)

  • Blow a fuse: to become very angry, similar to a "blow-up."

    • He blew a fuse when he saw the damage to his car. (He lost his temper.)