Phrases & Expressions

To express regret for something you have done or said.

• Apologize for the delay.
• Please apologize for your rude comment.

To express regret to someone for something you have done.

• Apologize to her for being late.
• He needs to apologize to his parents.

To support someone or say that someone is right.

• I'll back you up at the meeting.
• My friends always back me up when I need help.

To move something away, or to be moved away, by the wind.

• The wind blew away the papers.
• Hold on to your hat or it will blow away.

To not do something you planned, or not meet someone you arranged to meet.

• He blew off the meeting to watch the game.
• She blew me off at the last minute.

To put out a flame by blowing air on it.

• She closed her eyes and blew out all the candles on her cake.
• Please blow out the candle before you leave the room.

To end without serious effect.

• The storm will blow over.
• The scandal blew over.

To enter a building illegally, usually by force, to steal something.

• Thieves broke in through the kitchen window last night.
• Someone broke in while we were on holiday.

To separate a part from something by breaking it.

• He broke off a piece of bread.
• She broke off a square of chocolate and gave it to me.

To escape from.

• He broke out of prison.
• Break out of your routine.