Differences between blow up and chew up

Blow up usually means to explode or become very angry suddenly, whereas chew up generally means to chew something into small pieces or to damage something beyond repair.

Meanings and Definitions: blow up vs chew up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Blow up

1Explode.
The bomb BLEW UP without any warning.
2Inflate.
The pressure was low, so I BLEW the tyre UP.
3Enlarge ( e.g., photograph )..
BLOW UP that photo so we can see his face.
4The beginning of a storm.
A storm BLEW UP while we were out walking.
5Lose your temper, become angry.
They BLEW UP when they heard what I had done wrong.

Chew up

1Cut into small pieces with your teeth.
The puppy CHEWED UP the newspaper.
2Damage something inside a machine.
The video CHEWED my tape UP.

Usage Examples: blow up, chew up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

blow up

Example

The fireworks blew up in the sky.

Example

She blows up balloons for the party.

chew up

Example

The baby needs to chew up the food before swallowing.

Example

She chews up her gum loudly.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Blow up

lose one's temper

To become very angry and lose control of one's emotions.

Example

He lost his temper when he found out that someone had stolen his bike.

go ballistic

To become extremely angry and react in an explosive or violent way.

Example

When he saw the mess in the kitchen, he went ballistic and started yelling at everyone.

fly off the handle

To suddenly become very angry and lose control of one's emotions.

Example

She flew off the handle when she saw that her car had been scratched by someone else's car door.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Chew up

tear apart

To damage or destroy something completely.

Example

The tornado tore apart the small town, leaving nothing but rubble behind.

wreck beyond repair

To damage something so badly that it cannot be fixed or restored.

Example

The car accident wrecked the car beyond repair, and the driver had to buy a new one.

shred to pieces

To cut or tear something into very small pieces.

Example

The paper shredder shredded the confidential documents to pieces to ensure their complete destruction.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “blow”

Phrasal Verbs with “chew”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in blow up vs chew up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: blow up or chew up?

In daily conversation, people use blow up more often than chew up. This is because blow up is used for more common situations such as balloons, fireworks, or anger. Chew up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about food or machinery. So, while both phrases are used, blow up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of blow up and chew up

Blow up and chew up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of blow up and chew up

The tone of blow up and chew up can differ based on context. Blow up often carries an explosive or frustrated tone when related to anger or sudden events, while chew up typically has a destructive or mechanical tone, especially when referring to damaging objects or equipment.

blow up & chew up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Blow up

Synonyms

Antonyms

Chew up

Synonyms

Antonyms