fall all over
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (Phrasal Verb): - To display excessive, effusive, or exaggerated affection, admiration, or gratitude towards someone.
Usage
This phrasal verb describes behavior that is overly enthusiastic, fawning, or demonstrative. It often implies a lack of restraint or subtlety in expressing positive feelings, which can sometimes be perceived as insincere or embarrassing. It is typically used in informal contexts.
Examples
- Verb:
- At the reunion, he fell all over his old boss, praising his leadership endlessly.
- The fans fell all over the celebrity, asking for autographs and photos.
- She was so grateful for the help that she fell all over her neighbors with thanks.
Advanced Usage
- The verb is almost always followed by the object of the affection/admiration, often connected by "over."
- It can be used in a slightly critical sense to highlight behavior that is seen as excessively servile or flattering.
Variants and Related Words
- Gush over (someone/something): To express admiration or pleasure in an unrestrained, enthusiastic manner.
- She gushed over the beautiful wedding decorations.
- Fawn over (someone): To give exaggerated flattery or attention; often implies seeking favor.
- The assistants fawned over the demanding director.
Synonyms
- Effuse over: To express feelings, especially praise, in an unrestrained way.
- Rave about: To speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Fall over oneself (to do something): To be excessively eager to do something.
- They were falling over themselves to please the new client.
Related Idioms
- Lay it on thick: To exaggerate praise, flattery, or blame.
- He was laying it on thick when he complimented her cooking.
Verb
- display excessive love or show excessive gratitude towards
- This student falls all over her former professor when she sees him