blow a hole in (something)

1. To point out or expose the flaws in something. I hate to blow a hole in your argument against relocating, but the cost of living actually isn't that high there. She quickly began blowing a hole in his theory. Before I offer up my own proposals, let me begin by blowing a hole in what my opponent has suggested.

2. To take, use up, or deplete a large amount of money available in something, such as a budget, one's wallet, etc. The cost of repairing the car is really going to blow a hole in our savings. Tammy's private piano lessons are blowing a hole in my wallet! Aw man, that huge medical bill is going to blow a hole in my "new car" budget.

blow a hole in something

1. If an event blows a hole in something such as a plan, system or aim, it spoils it or reduces its effectiveness. Tropical storms have blown a hole in the company's oil and gas production targets. Richardson's decision to quit his post as chief financial officer has blown a hole in the company's plan for growth.

2. If something blows a hole in an opinion or argument, it shows that it is not true. This research has blown a hole in the myth that babies only smile because they are copying their parents. These figures blow a hole in the pretence that unemployment is under control.

3. To blow a hole in an amount of money means to reduce it a lot. Repairs to equipment have blown a hole in the firm's budget. Last year's storms and floods blew a hole in the profits of many insurance companies.