- Meaning
- This idiom means to refresh, rejuvenate, or clear one’s mind, often through physical activity, fresh air, or a change of pace. It suggests dispelling mental stagnation or lethargy, like clearing dust from a neglected space, and is used to encourage revitalization after routine or confinement.
- Origin
- The phrase likely emerged in 19th-century Britain, tied to the imagery of clearing cobwebs from old rooms, symbolizing renewal. An early use appears in an 1860 *All the Year Round* article by Charles Dickens: ‘A walk to blow the cobwebs away.’ It reflects Victorian ideals of fresh air and exercise as mental restoratives. By the 20th century, it was common in British and Commonwealth English, especially in contexts of outdoor activities or mental clarity.
- Variants
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- Blow away the cobwebs
- Clear the cobwebs
- Examples
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- A brisk hike in the mountains will blow the cobwebs away after weeks indoors.
- She went cycling to blow away the cobwebs and get inspired for her novel.
- Let’s take a walk to blow the cobwebs away before tackling this problem.
- A weekend by the sea blew the cobwebs away, leaving him refreshed for work.
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