The idiom "blow up" has a few different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some of the most common meanings:
1. To explode or burst: This is the literal meaning of "blow up." For example, a balloon might blow up if it is filled with too much air, or a building might blow up if there is a gas leak.
2. To become very angry: When someone "blows up" in this way, it means they are suddenly and intensely angry. For example, if your boss yells at you for making a mistake, they might "blow up" at you.
3. To become very popular or successful: When something "blows up" in this way, it means it suddenly becomes very popular or successful. For example, a new song might "blow up" on the radio, or a viral video might "blow up" on social media.
4. To exaggerate or make something seem more important than it really is: When someone "blows up" a story or situation in this way, it means they are making it seem more dramatic or significant than it really is. For example, if someone tells a story about a minor argument they had with a friend, but makes it sound like a huge fight, they might be "blowing it up."
Overall, "blow up" is a versatile idiom that can be used in many different situations. Just be sure to pay attention to the context to understand which meaning is intended!
• The politician's controversial statement caused the media to blow up with criticism and backlash.
• The situation in the Middle East has the potential to blow up into a full-blown war.
• The scientist's groundbreaking discovery caused the scientific community to blow up with excitement and anticipation.
• The company decided to blow up their old website and create a new one from scratch.
• I accidentally blew up the balloon too much and it popped.
• The argument between the two friends suddenly blew up and they stopped talking to each other.