Phrasal verb
bowl up
Definition
phrasal verb. to arrive or walk up to someone in a very confident and friendly way.
phrasal verb. to arrive or approach a person or place in a confident, casual, or nonchalant manner. The verb is intransitive and typically occurs in informal British contexts.
Examples
“He just bowled up to me and started talking.”
“We were waiting for the bus when Sarah bowled up, acting like nothing was wrong.”
“Despite the gravity of the situation, the young executive bowled up to the podium with an air of unearned confidence that unsettled the board.”
Examples
simple
“He just bowled up to me and started talking.”
contextual
“We were waiting for the bus when Sarah bowled up, acting like nothing was wrong.”
complex
“Despite the gravity of the situation, the young executive bowled up to the podium with an air of unearned confidence that unsettled the board.”
Usage
Primarily used in British English to describe a cheerful or slightly arrogant arrival.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'stroll up' or 'saunter' to highlight the specific nuance of bouncy, cheerful confidence.
Pitfall
He bowled up me.
He bowled up to me.
The verb requires the preposition 'to' when followed by the person being approached.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
bowl + up
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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