Blown off Course – Meaning and Examples
You have a perfect plan for the weekend. Suddenly, it starts to rain heavily, and all your outdoor plans are blown off course. This idiom is perfect for describing when something unexpected stops your plans or progress. It’s a great way to explain why you are late or why a project is delayed.
What Does “Blown off Course” Mean?
When you are blown off course, something unexpected happens that stops you from following your original plan. Think of it like a ship pushed away from its path by a strong storm. It’s not just about wind or ships; we use it for plans, projects, and even conversations.
When to Use It
- At work: When a project is delayed by an unexpected problem.
- When traveling: If a flight is canceled or a road is closed.
- In personal life: When a goal is interrupted by a life event.
This idiom is neutral in tone, so you can use it in both casual and professional conversations.
Example Sentences
- We were going to finish the report today, but we got blown off course by a server crash.
- Our road trip was blown off course when we discovered the main highway was closed.
- I was studying for my exam, but I got blown off course by a family emergency.
- The discussion got blown off course when someone brought up a completely different topic.
Mini Dialogue
Ben: “Did you finish the presentation for the client?”
Chloe: “Not yet. We were blown off course by some urgent feedback from another team. We’ll need more time.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be careful not to use this idiom only for literal weather situations.
- ❌ Don’t say: “The wind blew the leaf off course.”
- ✅ Do say: “Our study schedule was blown off course by the surprise party.”
Practice Tip
Think about a time your plans changed. Try to explain it using ‘blown off course’ in a sentence.
Final Note
Now you have a great way to talk about unexpected problems. Don’t be afraid to use ‘blown off course’ when your plans change. It will make your English sound more natural and expressive!
