blow away

You can use it literally: 'The wind blew away my papers.' Or you can use it figuratively: 'Her performance blew me away.' Notice the word order change. When you are amazed, you usually put the person in the middle. You can also say 'I was blown away.' This is common when you are the one feeling the surprise. It works for movies, food, or even a kind gesture.

Use it when 'good' or 'cool' isn't enough. Use it when your friend shows you a hidden talent. Use it after a five-star meal that changed your life. In a meeting, use it to praise a teammate's brilliant presentation. It shows genuine enthusiasm and high energy. It’s perfect for those 'jaw-dropping' moments in life.

Avoid using the 'amazed' meaning in very tragic situations. If someone tells you sad news, don't say you are blown away. It sounds too positive or excited. Also, be careful with the literal meaning if something valuable is lost. If your boss's contract blew away in the wind, maybe just say it was 'lost' first. You don't want to sound too casual about a disaster!

This expression comes from the idea of a force so strong you can't stand still. Americans love using 'big' language. We don't just 'like' things; we are 'blown away' by them. It reflects a culture that values high-energy praise and visible reactions. It became very popular in the late 20th century through music and film reviews.

You might hear blow someone's mind. That is a bit more 'trippy' or intellectual. There is also blown out of the water, which means to totally defeat something. If you want to be short, just say 'That was mind-blowing!' It carries the same weight as being blown away but focuses on the object.