Fig.: to totally defeat or ruin someone or something, such as a plan. To be far superior

The results of the FBI's lab acquitted the main suspect and that blew the whole investigation out of the water

I risultati di laboratorio hanno completamente scagionato l'indiziato principale, cosa che ha demolito l'intero piano investigativo

The new-released movie grossed one hundred million dollars in the first weekend alone, blowing the competition out of the water

Il nuovo film ha incassato cento milioni di Euro solo nel primo weekend e ha stracciato tutta la concorrenza

This expression was first used in naval combat, when a ship was struck by enemy fire and physically blew out of the water. Later on, it was applied to sports and other types of defeat