interjection
phew
fyoo
interjection
1
Used to express relief after tension or effort.
"Phew! We made the flight with two minutes to spare."
2
Used to express that something smells unpleasant.
"Phew, what is that smell coming from the bin?"
How to Use Phew
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sound people make to show relief, or sometimes disgust at a bad smell.
When to use it
Purely spoken/informal — used in speech and casual writing, never formal text.
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_____! We made the flight with two minutes to spare.
Etymology
An imitation of the sound of a quick exhale, used across many languages for the same "that's over" feeling of relief.