What Does “Blow sb off” Mean?
“Blow sb off” means to ignore someone or cancel plans with them, often in a casual or dismissive way.
Introduction
The phrase “blow sb off” is a common informal phrasal verb in English. It is used when someone decides not to pay attention to another person or cancels plans without a good reason. Understanding the “blow sb off meaning” helps learners communicate feelings of being ignored or rejected in everyday situations. This phrase often appears in conversations among friends, coworkers, or in casual settings. Knowing how to use “blow sb off” correctly can make your English sound more natural and expressive.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: blow somebody off
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to ignore or cancel plans with someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Blow sb off” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (somebody) between “blow” and “off,” or after “off.”
- blow someone off
- blow off someone
Examples:
- He blew her off yesterday.
- She blew off her friend’s invitation.
How to Use “Blow sb off”?
You use “blow sb off” when someone decides not to meet or respond to another person, usually without a good reason. It can express mild frustration or disappointment. It is often used in informal conversations.
For example, if a friend does not show up for a planned meeting, you can say, “He blew me off.” It shows you feel ignored or unimportant.
Examples
- She blew me off when I asked her to help with the project.
- Don’t blow off your responsibilities just because you’re tired.
- He promised to call but ended up blowing me off.
- They blew off the meeting without telling anyone.
- I felt hurt when he blew me off last weekend.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: He blew off to me yesterday.
- Correct: He blew me off yesterday.
- Incorrect: She blowed me off.
- Correct: She blew me off.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Ignore: More general and formal than “blow off.”
- Stand sb up: Means not showing up for a date or meeting, often more serious than “blow off.”
- Brush sb off: Similar meaning, but more about dismissing someone’s opinions or feelings.
While “blow sb off” usually refers to canceling or ignoring casually, “stand sb up” implies a stronger rejection.
Common Collocations
- blow off a date
- blow off a meeting
- blow off an invitation
- blow off someone’s calls
- blow off responsibilities
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of blow sb off:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did Tom come to the party last night?
Ben: No, he blew me off. He said he was busy but didn’t even call.
Anna: That’s rude. I hope he has a good reason.
Practice
Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:
She ___________ me off when I asked for help.
- a) blew
- b) blowed
- c) blow
Answer: a) blew
FAQs
- Q1: Is “blow sb off” formal?
A1: No, it is informal and used mostly in casual conversations.
- Q2: Can I use “blow off” without an object?
A2: Usually, it needs an object like “someone” to make sense.
- Q3: What is the difference between “blow sb off” and “stand sb up”?
A3: “Blow sb off” is more casual ignoring or canceling. “Stand sb up” means not showing up for a date or meeting.
- Q4: Can “blow off” mean something positive?
A4: No, it generally has a negative meaning related to ignoring or avoiding.
- Q5: Is “blow sb off” used in British or American English?
A5: It is used in both but more common in American English.
