bowl over: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal
Quick answer
What does “bowl over” mean?
To knock someone or something down, especially by hitting them while moving.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To knock someone or something down, especially by hitting them while moving.
To greatly surprise, impress, or emotionally overwhelm someone; to astonish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical in both varieties. Minor potential difference in literal use: UK might slightly favour 'knock over' for the physical sense.
Connotations
In both varieties, the figurative sense conveys a positive or neutral surprise (being amazed, impressed, or charmed), not typically a negative shock.
Frequency
The figurative sense is common in both. The literal sense is less frequent and may sound slightly old-fashioned or literary.
Grammar
How to Use “bowl over” in a Sentence
[Subject] bowls over [Object][Subject] is/gets bowled over by [Object/Cause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bowl over” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The news completely bowled her over.
- He was bowled over by the stunning performance.
- Mind the cyclist—you nearly bowled him over!
American English
- Her talent just bowled me over.
- We were bowled over by their hospitality.
- The running back bowled over the defender.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially: 'The new marketing strategy bowled over the clients.'
Academic
Very rare; considered too informal.
Everyday
Common, especially in personal contexts: 'I was bowled over by your generosity.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bowl over”
- Using it for negative shocks (e.g., 'The bad news bowled me over' is less idiomatic).
- Incorrect preposition: 'bowled over *from* the news' (correct: 'by' or 'with').
- Using in overly formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's primarily used for positive or deeply impressive surprises (gifts, talent, kindness). Using it for purely negative shocks (e.g., a death) is atypical and might sound odd.
Yes, but it's less common than the figurative sense. It often appears in sports commentary or older narratives.
The passive voice is very frequent: '[Someone] is/was/gets bowled over by [something].'
No standard noun form exists. You would use synonyms like 'astonishment' or 'overwhelming impression' instead.
To knock someone or something down, especially by hitting them while moving.
Bowl over is usually informal in register.
Bowl over: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbəʊl ˈəʊvə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌboʊl ˈoʊvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bowler in cricket knocking the stumps over (literal). Now imagine someone's emotions being knocked over just as decisively by a surprise (figurative).
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL IMPACT IS PHYSICAL IMPACT (being surprised/impressed is like being knocked down).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bowl over' LEAST appropriate?