English Reference

Phrasal verb

bowl over

Definition

phrasal verb. To surprise or impress you very much. You use this when something is so amazing that it knocks you off your feet—metaphorically, of course.

phrasal verb. To affect someone with sudden, intense surprise or admiration. Transitive; frequently occurs in the passive voice to describe the subject's state of being overwhelmed by an experience or quality.

Examples

“Her beautiful singing voice bowls me over every time.”

“I was completely bowled over by the generosity of the local community after the fire destroyed our shop.”

“Even the most seasoned diplomats were bowled over by the sudden and unprecedented shift in the regime's foreign policy during the summit.”

Examples

simple

“Her beautiful singing voice bowls me over every time.”

contextual

“I was completely bowled over by the generosity of the local community after the fire destroyed our shop.”

complex

“Even the most seasoned diplomats were bowled over by the sudden and unprecedented shift in the regime's foreign policy during the summit.”

Usage

This phrase is often used in the passive form 'to be bowled over by' something.

Teaching tip

Connect the figurative meaning to the physical action in the sport of bowling to help students visualize the 'impact' of the surprise.

Pitfall

The news bowled over to me.

The news bowled me over.

This is a transitive phrasal verb that takes a direct object without an extra preposition like 'to'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

over

Separability

optional

Pattern

bowl + object + over

Synonyms

amazeimpressstunastoundfloor

Antonyms

boreunderwhelm

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/bowl-over
English Reference