The phrase "blaze away" is commonly used to indicate firing continuously, as in "the soldiers blazed away for several minutes". The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with "blaze" being spelled as /bleɪz/, and "away" as /əˈweɪ/. The /z/ sound at the end of "blaze" and the /w/ sound at the beginning of "away" blend together smoothly when spoken, creating a fluid pronunciation. This phrase is often used in a military context, but can also be utilized in other situations where continuous or rapid activity is present.
Blaze away is a phrasal verb with various meanings, often associated with firing weapons or the act of shooting.
1. It can describe the rapid and continuous discharge of firearms or artillery. In this context, it suggests intense and often indiscriminate firing, as in a battle or a shootout. For example, "The soldiers blazed away at the enemy, trying to suppress their advance."
2. It can also mean to shoot repeatedly in a state of excitement, enthusiasm, or aggression. This usage is often figurative and can be applied to other activities besides actual shooting. For instance, "The journalist blazed away with tough questions during the interview, aiming to uncover the truth." This conveys the idea of persistent and relentless questioning or interrogation.
3. Additionally, blaze away can be used to express the act of firing at a target or object in a recreational or competitive shooting sport. For example, "The Olympic athlete blazed away at the targets, displaying remarkable accuracy and skill."
Overall, blaze away implies the act of firing rapidly and with force, conveying a sense of intensity, determination, or even recklessness. It is a versatile phrase often applied in contexts related to weapons, shooting, or energetic action.
The etymology of the phrase "blaze away" can be traced back to the Middle English word "blasen", which means "to blow". Over time, this word evolved and gained various connotations, including "to produce a flame", "to burn brightly", and "to shine brightly". During the 17th century, the phrase "to blaze away" emerged, combining the verb "blaze" with the adverb "away". It was originally used in the context of firing a gun or cannon continuously and rapidly. Eventually, the phrase extended to denote any continuous or rapid action or expression, often with enthusiasm or intensity.