Phrasal verbs "blow up" vs "fess up"

Differences between blow up and fess up

Blow up usually means to explode or burst, while fess up means to confess or admit to something.

Meanings and Definitions: blow up vs fess 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.

Fess up

  • 1Confess, admit something reluctantly.

    The company FESSED UP after they were exposed in the newspapers.

  • 2Give.

    FESS UP your share of the bill.

Usage Examples: blow up, fess 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.

fess up

Example

I know you broke the vase, so just fess up and apologize.

Example

He always fesses up when he realizes he's been caught.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Blow up

explode

To burst or break apart violently due to internal pressure or external force.

Example

The fireworks display was spectacular, and the grand finale made the sky explode with colors.

lose one's temper

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

Example

He lost his temper when he found out that his car had been towed away.

To fill something with air or gas until it becomes larger or fuller.

Example

She used a pump to inflate the beach ball before heading to the pool.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fess up

To confess or admit to something that one has been hiding or lying about.

Example

After months of denying it, he finally decided to come clean and tell the truth.

own up to

To take responsibility for something that one has done wrong or is responsible for.

Example

It's time for you to own up to your mistakes and make things right.

To admit or acknowledge something that one has done wrong or is guilty of.

Example

He decided to confess to the crime and accept the consequences of his actions.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “blow”

Phrasal Verbs with “fess”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: blow up or fess up?

In daily conversation, people use blow up more often than fess up. This is because blow up can be used in a variety of contexts such as describing an explosion, a sudden outburst of anger, or even inflating a balloon. Fess up is less common and is mainly used when someone wants to confess to something they did wrong.

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

Fess up is an informal phrase often used in casual conversations. It is suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. Blow up can be used in both formal and informal settings depending on the context. For example, it can be used to describe a scientific experiment or a military operation.

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

The tone of blow up and fess up can differ based on context. Blow up can have a negative connotation when referring to an explosion or a sudden outburst of anger. On the other hand, fess up can have a positive connotation when someone is being honest and taking responsibility for their actions.

blow up & fess up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Fess up

Synonyms

Antonyms

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