Bowl over Meaning in English
expression
ˈboʊɫ/ /ˈoʊvɝ
BOHL-OH-ver
bˈəʊl/ /ˈəʊvɐ
BOHL-OH-vuh
Definition
To surprise or impress someone a lot, so that they are almost speechless. It is usually used when something is unexpected and very impressive.
Usage & Nuances
This expression is informal and often used in spoken English. Usually used in the passive: 'I was bowled over.' Common with impressive achievements or big surprises. Not used for literal physical meaning (unless playing bowling).
Spanish: dejar boquiabierto - sorprender muchoPortuguese (BR): impressionar muito - surpreenderPortuguese (PT): impressionar muito - surpreenderChinese (Simplified): 使大为惊讶 - 令…十分震惊Chinese (Traditional): 使大為驚訝 - 令…十分震驚Hindi: बहुत हैरान करना - चकित कर देनाArabic: يُدهِش بشدة - يُبهرBengali: অত্যন্ত বিস্মিত করা - অবাক করে দেয়াRussian: поразить - ошеломитьJapanese: 圧倒する - 驚かせるVietnamese: làm cho kinh ngạc - gây ấn tượng mạnhKorean: 깊은 감명을 주다 - 깜짝 놀라게 하다Turkish: şaşırtmak - çok etkilemekUrdu: حیران کر دینا - ششدر کر دیناIndonesian: membuat terkesan sekali - mengejutkan
Example Sentences
The news bowled over everyone in the office.
basic
Her singing bowled over the judges at the competition.
basic
I was bowled over by how friendly everyone was.
basic
I was totally bowled over when I got the job offer.
natural
That movie just bowled me over—I didn’t expect it to be so good!
natural
He was bowled over by her talent from the first note she sang.
natural