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Region: General | Usage example: He gave a blow-by-blow account of the meeting.

Blow-by-blow

Meaning

Detailed, step-by-step description.

Usage

Used when recounting exactly what happened.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Boxing commentary describing each punch.

Used in sports and journalism since early radio days.

Related Idioms

Brick by brick

Step-by-step building or progress.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.