What it means
Means top-notch, seriously impressive, the kind of good that makes you squint like someone’s flashed a torch in your face. You’ll hear it about a performance, a night out, a bit of kit, anything that’s gone properly right. Often said on its own as an approving shout, and it can sound a touch old-school, but it still lands.
Usage examples
"He had a blinding game at five-a-side, bagged two goals and an assist, and still had the cheek to say he was rusty."
"That curry last night was absolutely blinding, I've been thinking about it all day."
"She did a blinding job presenting the report, even the finance lot were impressed."
Where it comes from
From the literal sense of "blinding" (so bright it dazzles), extended in mid-20th-century British working-class speech to describe anything of stunning quality. Picked up steam in football terraces and pub culture, where a "blinding goal" or a "blinding pint" became standard praise. The same ironic intensification that gave English "smashing" and "cracking".
Other ways to say it
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.