blow on

blow (up)on (someone or something)

obsolete

1. To defame or discredit someone or something; to slander or ruin someone's or something's reputation. No one in town would do business with Mr. Farnam after his honor and integrity had been blown upon by the duke. Think very carefully before you go blowing on someone of his rank, lest you wish to make a very powerful enemy. Yes, I blew upon him, but it was much deserved after he treated my daughter so abominably!

2. To expose, reveal information about, or inform against someone or something. Confess to the crime, Cedric—your cronies have already blown upon you! He followed the traveling salesman to his next destination, intending to blow on his product as the snake oil that it was. Who do you think blew upon the CEO to the authorities for embezzling money?

See also: blow

blow on (something)

To expel air onto something. Hey, that coffee's piping hot, so blow on it before you drink it. The vent has been blowing on me all morning—I'm freezing! I blew on the dice for good luck.

See also: blow, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

blow on something

to force air across something especially with a puff of breath. Jill blew on the hot soup. Blow on the fire to make it burn hotter.

See also: blow, on

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.