puff out
puff out
To swell or expand in size or to cause something to expand or swell. My hand puffed out after the bee stung me. Some male birds puff out their colorful plumage to try to attract a mate.
See also: out, puff
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
puff something out
to cause something to swell out or expand outward. The frog puffed its throat out and croaked. The frog puffed out its throat and croaked a mighty croak.
See also: out, puff
puff out
to swell out. The frog's throat puffed out, and we expected to hear a croak. The sail puffed out, and the boat began to move.
See also: out, puff
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
puff out
v.
1. To extend, stretch, or swell, by or as if by being filled: The sails puffed out as the breeze strengthened.
2. To cause something to extend, stretch, or swell outward: The wind puffed out the sheets that were hanging on the clothesline. Male birds will puff their chests out to appear larger.
See also: out, puff
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- puff up
- expand (up)on (something)
- expand on
- swelling
- mushroom into
- mushroom into (something)
- increase
- increase (something) by (something)
- increase by
- plant a seed