Blow Up

1. To make something explode.

Examples: The microwave blew up my food.
A nuclear bomb has the power to blow up a whole country.

2. To make an object bigger with air.

Examples: My jaws hurt from blowing up balloons for the party.
We need a portable pump to blow up the air mattress.

3. To make a photograph larger.

Examples: You should blow up that photograph of your mother. It’s beautiful!
Can you blow up this picture of me?

4. To become very angry.

Examples: What’s wrong with Miranda? She just blew up for no reason.
The teacher blew up at her students for not listening.

5. To become successful.

Examples: Beyonce didn’t really blow up until she started dating Jay-Z.
Just because you have a college degree doesn’t mean you are going to blow up in life.

6. To constantly call someone.

Examples: His phone is always blowing up.
Stop blowing up my phone!

See our complete list of English phrasal verbs.