blow it up

[emily wong]

Dear Tutor,

Is it correct to say "I don't want to blow it up", when I want to express that I don't want to fail on a particular task? This question might be simple. I just don't know the meaning of the phrase "blow up" and whether it fits here. And by any chance, are there any similar expressions? Thanks!

Emily (beijing)

[menandu]

The correct expression is "I don't want to blow it"

The expression to blow something up means to use explosions to ruin something -a building, a mountain, a car etc.

It's only the preposition that differentiates the two meanings of the very similar expressions.

The fear of failing a task can also be expressed by "I don't want to mess it up"