bowl over

verb

1. informal,  to surprise (a person) greatly, esp in a pleasant way; astound; amaze

   he was bowled over by our gift

2. to knock (a person or thing) down; cause to fall over

Idioms and Phrases

Astonish, surprise greatly, overwhelm, as in I was simply bowled over by their wonderful performance. This term originated in cricket, where it means “to knock all the bails off the wicket.” [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Judges said they were "bowled over by Southport in Bloom's passionate dedication", adding that its Botanic Gardens, opened in 1874, "made a lasting impression".

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The US locker room was not bowled over by DeChambeau, insiders say.

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Start by whisking a few yolks with some lemon juice in a bowl over gently simmering water — you want steam, not direct heat.

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He moved around 5cm closer to the stumps when bowling over the wicket and 8cm closer when bowling round the wicket compared to previous home Tests.

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When bowling over the wicket, he has moved around 5cm closer to the stumps in this Test compared to other home Tests.

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