What Does “Blast sth away” Mean?
“Blast sth away” means to remove or destroy something forcefully, often using an explosion or strong impact.
Introduction
The phrase “blast sth away” is a common phrasal verb used in English to describe the action of forcefully removing or destroying something. The word “blast” implies a strong, sudden force, typically involving explosives or intense power. When combined with “away,” it emphasizes completely getting rid of or clearing something. Understanding the blast sth away meaning helps learners use this phrase in both literal and figurative contexts. For example, you might hear it in discussions about demolition, cleaning, or even in sports when talking about striking a ball hard. This article explains how to use “blast sth away” correctly, with examples and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: blast something away
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to remove or destroy something with a strong force, often an explosion
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Blast sth away” is a transitive phrasal verb, meaning it needs a direct object (something to be blasted away). It is separable, so you can say either “blast something away” or “blast away something,” but the first form is more common.
- Subject + blast + object + away (e.g., They blasted the rocks away.)
- Subject + blast + away + object (less common, e.g., They blasted away the rocks.)
How to Use “Blast sth away”?
Use “blast sth away” when describing an action where something is forcefully removed or destroyed. It is often used in contexts like construction, cleaning, or sports. The verb “blast” carries the sense of power or sudden impact, while “away” suggests complete removal.
It can be used literally, such as blasting rocks away with explosives, or figuratively, such as blasting away doubts or obstacles.
Examples
- The workers blasted the old building away to make space for a new park.
- They blasted the dirt away from the car using a high-pressure hose.
- In the game, he blasted the ball away with incredible force.
- The demolition crew blasted away the concrete walls in just a few hours.
- She blasted away all her fears and started a new career.
Blast sth away in a sentence: The team blasted away the debris after the storm to clear the roads.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: He blasted away the the rocks.
Correct: He blasted the rocks away. - Incorrect: They blast away the old furniture by removing it slowly.
Correct: They blasted the old furniture away quickly. - Incorrect: She blast something away yesterday.
Correct: She blasted something away yesterday.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “blow away,” “clear away,” and “wash away,” but they have different meanings and uses:
- Blow away: Usually means to be impressed or physically moved by the wind or force. Example: The wind blew the papers away.
- Clear away: Means to remove items to tidy up. It is less forceful than “blast away.” Example: Please clear away the dishes.
- Wash away: Refers to something being removed by water. Example: The rain washed away the dirt.
“Blast sth away” is stronger and implies destruction or forceful removal, often sudden and powerful.
Common Collocations
- Blast rocks away
- Blast debris away
- Blast dirt away
- Blast dust away
- Blast obstacles away
- Blast fears away
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of blast sth away:
Real-life Dialogue
Mark: Did you see how they blasted the old wall away yesterday?
Lisa: Yes, it was so fast! The whole thing disappeared in minutes.
Mark: I know. They used explosives to blast it away safely.
Lisa: It’s amazing how they can blast away such big structures without problems.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- A) They blasted away the snow with a shovel.
- B) They blasted the snow away with a shovel.
- C) They blast the snow away with a shovel (past tense).
Answer: B
FAQs
- Q1: Is “blast sth away” always about explosions?
A: No, it can also mean removing something forcefully, not necessarily with explosives. - Q2: Can “blast away” be used without an object?
A: Yes, but the meaning changes. For example, “The gun blasted away” means it fired repeatedly. - Q3: What level of English is suitable for using “blast sth away”?
A: It is best for upper-intermediate learners (B2 level) and above. - Q4: Can “blast sth away” be used figuratively?
A: Yes, it can describe removing fears, doubts, or obstacles forcefully. - Q5: Is “blast sth away” separable?
A: Yes, you can say “blast something away” or “blast away something,” but the first is more common.
