blow up

1. 1

   To explode or be destroyed by an explosion, or to cause something to do so.

   • The bomb squad managed to blow up the suspicious package safely in the field.

2. 2

   To lose one's temper suddenly and express severe anger.

   • He will blow up at his staff whenever a project falls behind schedule.

3. 3

   To inflate something with air or gas until it expands.

   • We spent an hour trying to blow up dozens of balloons for the party.

When this means “explode something”

Both orders mean the same thing.

• blow up the bridge
• blow the bridge up

it and them go in the middle: “blow it up.” Not “blow up it.”

Soldiers had to blow up the bridge to stop the advance.

When this means “lose one's temper”

• blow up at the driver

Say “blow up at him.” Not “blow him up.”

She tended to blow up at the driver during heavy traffic.