ball over
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive): To astonish or shock someone greatly; to cause someone to be extremely surprised, often to the point of being speechless or overwhelmed.
Usage
This verb is used to describe the act of causing someone to experience a profound level of surprise. It is typically used in informal contexts. The subject is the thing or event that causes the surprise, and the object is the person who is surprised. * The unexpected news will ball over the entire community. * Her incredible talent balled over the judges.
Examples
- The final plot twist in the movie completely the audience.
- He was by the generous offer.
- The team's victory their critics.
Advanced Usage
The phrase is often used in the passive voice ("to be balled over") to emphasize the state of the surprised person. * I was absolutely balled over by the standing ovation.
Variants and Related Words
- Floor (verb): To astonish or shock. This is a more common synonym with the same meaning and usage pattern (e.g., "The announcement floored me.").
- Blow away (phrasal verb): To greatly impress or astonish someone (e.g., "Her performance blew me away.").
- Astonish, Astound, Stun (verbs): More formal synonyms for causing great surprise.
Synonyms
Astonish, astound, stun, shock, amaze, flabbergast, floor.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms
- Knock someone's socks off: An informal idiom meaning to impress or astonish someone greatly.
- The new design is going to knock everyone's socks off.
- Blow someone's mind: An informal idiom meaning to amaze or astonish someone.
- The special effects in that film blew my mind.
Verb
- surprise greatly; knock someone's socks off
- I was floored when I heard that I was promoted