What does the phrasal verb “blow off” mean?

What are the definitions of “blow off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Not keep an appointment.

  We were going to meet last night, but she BLEW me OFF at the last minute.

• 2. Ignore, not do something.

  I BLEW the homework OFF and did badly.

• 3. Expel gas from the anus.

  He BLEW OFF in front of everybody.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “blow off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb blow off is to ignore or not do something, especially when it comes to responsibilities or commitments. For example, it can mean not completing an assignment, not attending a meeting, or not keeping a promise.

What are the different verb forms of “blow off”?

Root Verb	blow off
Third Person Singular Present	blows off
Present Participle	blowing off
Simple Past	blew off
Past Participle	blown off

Example

I decided to blow off my homework and watch a movie instead.

Example

He often blows off his chores and plays video games.

Example

She is blowing off her responsibilities by not studying for the exam.

Example

Yesterday, they blew off the meeting and went to the beach.

Example

The deadline was blown off, and the project was not completed on time.

What kind of phrasal verb is “blow off”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“blow off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She blew off the appointment.

Example

He blew the meeting off and went shopping.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“blow off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She blew off the appointment.

Example

He blew the meeting off and went shopping.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “blow off”?

Blow off steam

To release pent-up energy or emotions, often through physical activity or by talking about frustrations.

Example

After a long day at work, he goes to the gym to blow off some steam.

Blow someone off

To ignore or dismiss someone, often by breaking a commitment or not responding to their attempts to communicate.

Example

She blew him off when he tried to talk to her at the party.

Blow off gas

To release gas from the body, usually through the anus.

Example

He blew off gas in front of everyone, causing laughter and embarrassment.

Good things to know

Does “blow off” have an informal or formal tone?

Blow off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be appropriate for formal settings or professional communication. In more formal situations, consider using synonyms like 'ignore,' 'dismiss,' or 'neglect' instead.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “blow off”?

Synonyms

• ignore
• dismiss
• neglect
• overlook
• skip
• avoid
• shirk
• dodge
• evade

Antonyms

• attend
• acknowledge
• address
• fulfill
• complete
• respect
• honor
• observe
• perform