be put on blast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be put on blast" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is publicly criticized or exposed, often in a humiliating way. Example: "After the meeting, he was put on blast for his lack of preparation and poor performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I love watching Jodi Arias be put on blast for killing her ex.No one believes you sweetie, stop lying now 😏.

Huffington Post

I love watching Jodi Arias be put on blast for killing her ex.No one believes you sweetie, stop lying now 😏— e r i n(@erin__brown) March 5, 2013.

Huffington Post

"I don't like to be put on blast". It makes a resounding statement that stuntin' on social media is just an illusion that won't solve anyone's issues.

HuffPost

(She wasn't alone. "The Times," another woman later declared, "should be put on blast").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

+This year's overly sexualized, rarely criticized Pirelli Calendar was put on blast by artist Andrea Mary Marshall.

Vice

Besides the formative experience of seeing his father behind bars as a kid, young Kushner was put on blast in 2006 by a book about how rich people buy their way into Ivy League schools.

Vice

Updated at 10.59am BST 2.28pm BST Edward Snowden 'should be put on hit list', joke US security chiefs Everyone's having a blast at the 2013 Cybersecurity Summit.

The Guardian

Any longer gap between BLAST alignments or chain ends results in the chain being put on hold to await manual classification.

University of California, Berkeley

Special emphasis is put on binary shifts.

Journal of Functional Analysis

I'm lucky to go to a university where there are many Muslims, but it still doesn't change the fact that we get treated differently at airports, or that our religion is constantly put on blast by the media.

Huffington Post

Atesiano and his boys in blue were just the latest crew of corrupt cops to get put on blast in America.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be put on blast" when you want to convey a sense of public humiliation or intense criticism. It's appropriate when someone's actions or words are being heavily scrutinized and condemned in a public manner.

Common error

Avoid using "be put on blast" in formal writing or professional settings. While it's acceptable in casual conversation or news reports, more formal language is often preferable. Consider alternatives like "be publicly criticized" or "face public scrutiny" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be put on blast" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of public criticism or exposure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies that an action has been done to the subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be put on blast" is used to describe a situation where someone faces public criticism or exposure, often with a sense of humiliation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While it's acceptable in many situations, avoiding it in formal writing might be best to maintain a professional tone. Consider alternatives like "be publicly criticized" or "be exposed publicly". The phrase functions as a passive construction. Its neutral to informal register reflects its wide appeal within news reporting and social commentary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be publicly criticized

Focuses on the act of being criticized in a public forum, omitting the element of humiliation.

be publicly shamed

Emphasizes the element of shame associated with public exposure.

be exposed publicly

Highlights the act of having something revealed to the public.

be called out

A more informal way of saying someone is publicly criticized, often for a specific action.

be taken to task

Implies a formal or serious reprimand.

be hauled over the coals

Suggests severe criticism or punishment.

face public scrutiny

Focuses on the intense public examination rather than direct criticism.

be dragged through the mud

Implies a reputation is damaged through public attacks.

be roasted

An informal term indicating a humorous but often pointed public criticism.

be lambasted

Indicates a harsh verbal attack or denunciation.

FAQs

What does "be put on blast" mean?

The phrase "be put on blast" means to be publicly criticized or exposed, often in a humiliating or embarrassing way.

What can I say instead of "be put on blast"?

You can use alternatives like "be publicly criticized", "be publicly shamed", or "be exposed publicly" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "be put on blast" in formal writing?

No, "be put on blast" is generally considered informal and is better suited for casual conversation, news reports, or social media. In formal writing, opt for more professional alternatives such as "face public scrutiny" or "be subjected to criticism".

What is the difference between "be put on blast" and "be called out"?

While both phrases imply public criticism, "be put on blast" often suggests a more intense and potentially humiliating exposure, whereas "be called out" typically refers to being challenged or criticized for a specific action or statement.