to be dynamite
12
8.3
- idiom
- Informal
- This new restaurant is dynamite; the food and service are exceptional.
- going to be dynamite
Examples
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And let me tell you, they are dynamite.
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That's dynamite.
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The next gig is gonna be dynamite!
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If they can compensate, they can be dynamite in the courtroom.
Academic text (1996) -
That's why this machine is dynamite.
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Dr. Krish and his staff are dynamite.
Blog text (32) -
That being said, he's been dynamite when he does come up in run support.
Blog text (2) -
It was dynamite, whether it was true or not.
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I still wish I could find her coleslaw recipe; it was dynamite and a favorite at holiday gatherings.
Blog text (33) -
It's a pretty lame Blake Edwards thriller, but Mancini's score is dynamite!
Blog text (22)
Synonyms
118
3.6
To do very well and be noticed for ability
101
8.5
To do very well and win a game or contest
75
8.8
Do very well in something and impress people
21
7.9
Do very well in a competition or challenge
Antonyms
How Impressive
Surface Forms
Morphology
be + dynamite
The evaluative meaning 'to be excellent or very impressive' is a metaphorical extension of the literal noun 'dynamite' (an explosive), so a learner who knows 'dynamite' can plausibly infer a sense of power, impact, or intensity. However, mapping that intensity to the specific positive appraisal 'excellent/outstanding' and the colloquial predicate usage is somewhat idiomatic and not fully predictable without exposure, so it is only partially transparent to a B1 learner.
Etymology
The phrase be dynamite may come from the image of dynamite, a powerful explosive that makes a big, sudden effect. Calling something dynamite compares it to that strong blast, so it means 'very impressive' or 'excellent'.