Explanation of "Bowl Over"
Definition: "Bowl over" is a phrasal verb that means to surprise or impress someone very much. It can also mean to knock someone or something down, but in a more figurative sense, it usually refers to overwhelming someone with amazement.
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced contexts, "bowl over" can also imply that someone is so taken by something that they feel almost knocked down by the emotional impact. For example: "The news of her promotion bowled him over with joy."
Word Variants:
Bowl (noun): A round dish used for serving food.
Bowl (verb): To roll a ball towards pins in a game like bowling.
Bowled (past tense): The past form of "bowl."
Different Meanings:
Physical Overturning: In a literal sense, it can refer to something being knocked over, like a vase or a person.
Emotional Impact: More commonly, it refers to an emotional reaction, such as being amazed or impressed.
Synonyms:
Amazed
Surprised
Overwhelmed
Astonished
Stunned
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
"Knock your socks off": This idiom means to surprise or impress someone greatly, similar to "bowl over."
"Take someone by surprise": This phrase means to catch someone off guard, which can lead to them feeling "bowled over."
Summary:
To "bowl over" someone means to amaze or surprise them deeply. It can also mean to physically knock something down.