Definition of the word blow away

The phrase "blow away" originated in the early 19th century, and its origins can be traced back to the nautical realm. During that time, sailors would use a small boat called a whaleboat to chase after and capture whales. These boats were narrow, shallow, and lightweight, making them easy to maneuver but also prone to being blown around by the wind and waves. When sailors would encounter strong gusts of wind or high waves, they would say that the boat was being "blown away." The phrase quickly caught on and began to be used metaphorically to describe anything that was being overwhelmed or defeated by a powerful force. As technology advanced, the meaning of "blow away" began to expand. In the late 19th century, it also came to mean "to impress or surpass greatly." By the early 20th century, it had taken on a negative connotation, coming to mean "to defeat thoroughly." Today, the expression "blow away" is commonly used in various contexts, from criticisms of poor performance to compliments about extraordinary talent. Whether it's used literally or metaphorically, the origins of this phrase highlight the important role that nautical dialect has played in shaping the English language.