blow-by-blow
Meaning
A very detailed, step-by-step account of events as they happened, often moment by moment.
Origin
From boxing: a “blow-by-blow” description recounts each punch (“blow”) in sequence. It broadened to mean any minute, sequential narration of events.
Notes
Often used in reporting, sports, or retelling events. Neutral to slightly formal; can imply exhaustive detail (sometimes more than necessary).
Examples
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The journalist provided a blow-by-blow account of the debate, noting every interruption and rebuttal.
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She gave me a blow-by-blow description of her first day at the new job, right down to what everyone wore.
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The podcast offered a blow-by-blow recap of the match, including the controversial penalty in the second half.
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I don’t need a blow-by-blow of your commute—just tell me whether you made it on time.
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The report reads like a blow-by-blow timeline of the incident, from the first alarm to the final evacuation.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an adjective/adverb: “a blow-by-blow account,” “a blow-by-blow description.” Hyphenation common; rarely used as a standalone noun.
Synonyms
- step-by-step
- play-by-play
- minute-by-minute
- detailed account
Antonyms
- in brief
- in summary
- broad-brush