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

1. display excessive love or show excessive gratitude towards
   • This student falls all over her former professor when she sees him