blow wide open

phrase

To expose (problems, lies, or corruption).

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Meanings

phrase
  1. figurativelytransitiveTo expose (problems, lies, or corruption).

Origin

The figurativeness relies on a metaphor where things that were formerly concealed (hidden from view) are now being thoroughly exposed (brought out in the open), as if by an explosion (compare blow (something) up (vt) and blow (something) away).

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Cite this entry
APA

blow wide open. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/blow%20wide%20open

MLA

“blow wide open.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/blow%20wide%20open. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “blow wide open,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/blow%20wide%20open.

Source: blow wide open on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.