1 B1 idiomatic informal
To arrive suddenly and unexpectedly, especially as if blown by the wind (informal).
"My uncle just blew in from California without calling anyone first."
blow in
B1 informal transitive/intransitive
To arrive suddenly or unexpectedly, or for wind to carry something into a place.
In plain English
To arrive somewhere suddenly, as if carried in by the wind.
What does "blow in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
Of wind: to carry something through an opening into an enclosed space.
"Cold air blew in through the gap under the door."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For wind to push something inward — into a room, building, or space.
Actually means
To arrive somewhere suddenly, as if carried in by the wind.
Usage tip
The figurative sense of an unexpected arrival is common in informal spoken English. Carries a sense of the person being breezy or slightly inconsiderate of others. Also used literally about wind carrying things inside.
Words that pair with "blow in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
town door unexpected wind dust cold air
How to conjugate "blow in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
blow in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
blows in
he/she/it
Past simple
blew in
yesterday
Past participle
blown in
have + pp
-ing form
blowing in
continuous
Hear "blow in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "blow in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "blow in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
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