To direct a stream of air onto something, or (figuratively) to tarnish or damage a reputation.
To blow air at something, or to make someone's good name look bad.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To direct a current of air onto something, typically to cool, kindle, or clean it.
"She knelt beside the hearth and blew upon the dying embers until they glowed red again."
He blew upon his frozen fingers to warm them.
— Charles Dickens, 'A Christmas Carol' (1843) — paraphrased narrative description
To damage or cast doubt upon someone's reputation or honour.
"The scandal blew upon his previously unblemished reputation."
To send a puff or stream of air directly upon an object.
To blow air at something, or to make someone's good name look bad.
Largely archaic; the literal sense has been replaced by 'blow on' in everyday speech. The figurative sense (to cast doubt on someone's reputation) survives mainly in literary or legal contexts. Rarely used in modern conversation.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
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