phew

IPA/fjuː/
KK[fjˈu]IPA/fjuː/

phew — exclamation

1. said when a danger, hard task, or worrying moment is over, and you can relax aga

1.exclamationA2
Definition

said when a danger, hard task, or worrying moment is over, and you can relax again.

Example

Phew, the storm missed our village and the boats came back safely.

Phew, + clause after danger passes

After the final interview, Nina whispered, "Phew, that's finally over."

quoted relief after a stressful event

Common collocations
  • phew, that's over
  • phew, we made it
  • say "phew" in relief
  • phew, close call
Synonyms
  • whew

    the same reaction word with a different spelling, especially in American English

  • thank goodness

    more verbal and more clearly expresses gratitude

  • what a relief

    usually comes after the reaction rather than replacing it completely

Antonyms
  • oh no

    used when bad news arrives instead of when danger has passed

Grammar Patterns

Phew, + clause of relief

"Phew!" + when danger or stress ends

Usage Note

Often followed by a short comment such as 'that's over' or 'we made it'. Distinguish from sense 3: this use comes after the worry ends, not while the physical discomfort is still happening.

Common Mistakes

Phew, I will pass the test tomorrow.
Phew, I passed the test.
use it when the worry has just ended, not for a future result.
I phew when the plane landed.
I said "phew" when the plane landed.
use 'phew' as a spoken reaction, not as the main verb.

2. said when a smell reaches you and feels very unpleasant.

2.exclamationA2
Definition

said when a smell reaches you and feels very unpleasant.

Example

Phew, that fish bag smells awful in the back seat.

Phew, + direct reaction to a smell

Mina opened the gym locker and said, "Phew, those socks stink."

quoted reaction naming the source of the smell

Common collocations
  • phew, what a smell
  • phew, those socks
  • say "phew" at a bad smell
  • phew, that stinks
Synonyms
  • ugh

    shows disgust more generally, not only at smells

  • yuck

    stronger and more childlike or playful

  • ew

    brief spoken reaction to something dirty or disgusting

Grammar Patterns

Phew, + comment on a bad smell

say "phew" after smelling something unpleasant

Usage Note

Usually followed by words that identify the source of the smell, such as socks, fish, cheese, or a bin. Distinguish from sense 3: if the problem is heat or stuffy air rather than odor, use sense 3.

Common Mistakes

Phew, your soup tastes great.
Mmm, your soup tastes great.
this use of 'phew' is negative and reacts to a bad smell.
The room was phew after lunch.
The room smelled bad after lunch.
use 'phew' as an exclamation, not as an adjective.

3. said when the air feels too warm and your body feels uncomfortable from the heat

3.exclamationA2
Definition

said when the air feels too warm and your body feels uncomfortable from the heat.

Example

Phew, this bus has no air and every window is shut.

Phew, + complaint about heat indoors

By noon, Luis wiped his face and said, "Phew, I'm melting."

quoted reaction to strong heat

Common collocations
  • phew, it's hot
  • phew, no air
  • say "phew" from the heat
  • phew, what heat
Synonyms
  • whew

    the same interjection in an alternative spelling

  • oof

    can show physical strain or discomfort, often after effort

  • ugh

    can show annoyance at the heat, but is less specifically about temperature

Grammar Patterns

Phew, + comment on heat or stuffy air

say "phew" after physical discomfort from heat

Usage Note

Often heard in hot rooms, crowded buses, or after hard movement in warm weather. Distinguish from sense 1: here the discomfort is still continuing, instead of having just ended.

Common Mistakes

Phew, the water is cold today.
Brr, the water is cold today.
this sense is for heat, not for cold weather or cold water.
I felt phew after running.
I said "phew" after running.' / 'I felt hot after running.
use 'phew' for the spoken reaction, not for the feeling itself.

Synonym discussion

Sense: exclamation/1

'Phew' is a short reaction sound, not a full sentence. In sense 1, it shows relief after danger, stress, or hard work has ended: 'Phew, the exam is over.' 'Whew' is the same word with a different spelling, especially in American English. 'Thank goodness' is stronger and more clearly verbal because it openly names gratitude. 'What a relief' is not the cry itself; it is the comment speakers often add after 'phew'. For bad smells or hot rooms, English often uses 'ugh', 'ew', or a direct comment like 'It's boiling in here', because those choices point more clearly to disgust or physical discomfort. If the feeling is mainly relief, use 'phew'. If the feeling is mainly disgust, use 'ugh' or 'ew'.

whew ↗thank goodness ↗what a reliefugh ↗ew ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • say "phew"

Etymology

Modern English

'Phew' has been in English since the early 1600s. It was written to represent the sound of a person blowing air out after strain, heat, disgust, or relief, so it is an imitative interjection rather than a word built from an older noun or verb. That sound-based origin helps explain why the same form can express several related feelings: releasing tension after danger, reacting to a nasty smell, or breathing out in hot weather.