The phrase "blowing out of the water" is commonly used to describe something that exceeds or surpasses expectations. The spelling of the word "blowing" is /ˈbləʊ.ɪŋ/ with the first syllable pronounced as "blow" with a long o sound and the second syllable with a short i sound. The word "water" is pronounced as /ˈwɔː.tə(r)/ with a long a sound in the first syllable and a short o sound in the second syllable, followed by a silent r at the end. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /ˈbləʊɪŋ aʊt əv ðə ˈwɔː.tə(r)/.
The phrase "blowing out of the water" is an idiomatic expression that originally derived from naval warfare but now used more broadly in general contexts. It refers to an action or event that is overwhelmingly superior, surpassing all competition or expectations.
In its literal sense, the expression originated from naval battles, where a successful strike or attack would cause an enemy ship to explode or sink, sending debris and water into the air. Thus, "blowing out of the water" was associated with complete destruction and annihilation of the enemy vessel. Over time, this literal meaning has transitioned into a metaphorical sense used to describe something that surpasses or surpasses all others in an exceptional and astonishing manner.
When applied figuratively, "blowing out of the water" signifies an action, idea, accomplishment, or performance that is utterly impressive, far surpassing any competition or predicted outcome. It conveys the notion of overwhelming, unexpected success, resulting in a complete annihilation or eclipsing of all other comparable entities or possibilities. This expression can be employed to highlight extraordinary achievements, groundbreaking innovations, top-tier performances, or any other remarkable instance that soars above all expectations or rivals.
For example, if a basketball player scores 60 points in a game while the previous record was 40, one could say that they "blew the previous record out of the water." Similarly, if a company's sales far exceed their competitors by a wide margin, it can be said that they "blew their competitors out of the water." In both cases, the phrase emphasizes the exceptional and unprecedented nature of the accomplishment or result, leaving all rivals or expectations far behind.