bowl over: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bowl over’ mean?
The idiom "bowl over" means to greatly surprise or impress someone with such force that they are overwhelmed or knocked off balance.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "topple over" means to fall or collapse, usually unexpectedly or uncontrollably, as if losing balance or support. It can be used to describe physical objects, as well as metaphorical situations or plans that fail suddenly and completely.
The idiom "knock someone over with a feather" means to greatly surprise or astonish someone to the point where they are rendered speechless or unable to react.
The idiom "edge out" means to narrowly defeat, surpass, or outdo someone or something, usually by a small margin or by using one's advantages or skills.
The idiomatic expression "eat someone's lunch" means to defeat or outperform them, typically in a competitive or confrontational situation.
The idiom "dust off a batter" means to defeat someone easily, especially in a sports or competitive context.
The idiom "drown out" means to overpower or overshadow something, making it difficult or impossible to hear or notice. It is often used to describe a situation where one sound or voice is so loud that it drowns out all other sounds or voices.
The idiom "drop a bombshell" means to reveal surprising or shocking news or information that has a powerful and disruptive impact.
An idiom meaning to outdo or surpass someone's accomplishment or action.
The idiom "crawl over each other" means to be extremely eager or desperate to obtain something, often resulting in a chaotic or competitive situation.
The idiom "crack up" means to burst into uncontrollable laughter or to mentally or emotionally collapse due to stress or pressure.
The Unexpected Impact
The idiom "bowl over" has its origins in the sport of bowling, where it refers to the act of knocking down all the pins in a single throw. However, this idiom has evolved to take on a figurative meaning that goes beyond its literal roots.
The figurative use of "bowl over" is to completely astonish or overwhelm someone, leaving them surprised, shocked, or impressed. It describes situations or events that have a profound impact on an individual, causing them to be figuratively knocked off balance or taken by surprise. Imagine knocking someone over with a feather; they would be so surprised by the feather that they would lose their balance. This is how "bowl over" makes someone feel.
This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, career advancements, or unexpected achievements. When someone is "bowled over," they are caught off guard by something that exceeds their expectations or leaves them momentarily speechless. It's like being so surprised that you're left speechless, just like if you were to be knocked over by a feather. This phrase is often used when describing events that leave a lasting impression, causing the person to ponder on what just happened.
Furthermore, "bowl over" can also convey a sense of admiration or being deeply impressed by someone or something. It suggests that the person or thing being described holds such great influence or has performed an action of such magnitude that it leaves others in awe. Imagine watching bubbles overflow from a bottle; it's fascinating and impressive, just like when something "bowls you over." This idiom emphasizes the impact that a particular event or achievement has on individuals, leaving them amazed or astounded.
It's important to note that "bowl over" is commonly used in informal and conversational settings, rather than formal or academic writing. Its colloquial nature allows it to be used in everyday conversations to emphasize the impact of a particular event or achievement. Just as bubbles overflow and create a sense of excitement, "bowl over" adds a touch of enthusiasm and excitement to conversations, reflecting the speaker's astonishment or admiration.
The idiom "bowl over" originated from the world of bowling and has come to represent the act of astonishing or overwhelming someone in a figurative sense. It captures the feeling of being completely surprised or impressed by an event, achievement, or individual. This idiom is often used in informal settings to add emphasis and convey the speaker's astonishment. Considering the related idioms, "knock someone over with a feather" and "bubble over," further enhances our understanding of the impact of unexpected events and the lasting impression they leave on individuals. These related idioms emphasize the surprising and impressive nature of certain situations, connecting them to the idiom "bowl over" in a natural and meaningful way.
Example usage
1. She completely bowled over the audience with her stunning performance.
2. The new advertising campaign really bowled over the customers and generated a lot of interest in the product.
3. I was completely bowled over when he proposed to me unexpectedly during our vacation.
More "Surprise" idioms
