To blow the cobwebs away

Feifei Hello, I’m Feifei and welcome to The English We Speak.

Neil … and hello, it’s Neil here. Are you feeling OK Feifei - you don’t look very happy?

Feifei Oh Neil, it’s been a stressful week - I’ve been working late, I’m so tired - and I’ve had no time to do any housework - my house is a mess!

Neil Isn’t your house always a mess?!

Feifei
Ha ha, very funny!

Neil Seriously, you need a break. Take some time off.

Feifei Easier said than done - but how will that help?

Neil Well, having a break from work will help blow away the cobwebs.

Feifei Excuse me? Are you saying I should take time off so I can do my housework - and get rid of all the cobwebs in my house - do you think my house is haunted Neil?

Neil I never said you said had cobwebs in your house - what I meant was, get some fresh air - do some exercise, get rid of that tired feeling - that’s ‘blowing away the cobwebs’!

Feifei Got it! So no spiders involved?

Neil Absolutely not. Let’s hear some examples of this phrase in action.

Examples Do you want to go hillwalking this weekend? It might help you blow the cobwebs away.

I’ve been stuck indoors for days, I need to blow the cobwebs away and go for a run.

I know studying is hard, why don’t you go for a walk in the park to blow the cobwebs away? It might help you think more clearly.

Feifei ‘To blow the cobwebs away’ is the same as ‘to blow away the cobwebs’. It means to get some fresh air and exercise so that you feel refreshed and can think more clearly. So it’s about feeling more lively and alert?

Neil Yes.

Feifei Now how about blowing the cobwebs away with me and going for a run?

Neil Running? Oh I don’t know… I’m feeling a little tired actually.

Feifei Don’t be so lazy Neil! Come on, it’s time to blow away your cobwebs too!

Neil
Maybe I could do your housework instead?

Both Bye.