Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

bowl-over

phrasal verb
/ˈboʊlˌoʊvər/
Definition
To overwhelm or astonish someone; to impress or surprise dramatically.
Examples
  • She was bowled over by the generosity of her friends.
  • The stunning performance left the audience bowled over.
  • He was bowled over when he found out he had won the lottery.
Meaning
Bowl-over typically refers to a strong emotional response, where a person feels so surprised or impressed that they are metaphorically ‘knocked over.’
Synonyms
  • Astound
  • Amaze
  • Overwhelm
  • Shock