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

Set a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, making sure that the bowl does not touch the surface of the water.

From The Daily Beast

These last two articles he placed upon the table, while he carried the bowl over to his charge.

From Project Gutenberg

You see, I could beat the eggs for you, and you know how hard it is for you not to tip the bowl over when you beat them!

From Project Gutenberg

Then it came with a suddenness and force that was strong enough to bowl over even a man of strong heart.

From Project Gutenberg

If butter is too hard to serve, heat a bowl with boiling water and turn the empty bowl over the butter.

From Project Gutenberg

She was irrevocably predestined to bowl over the first man who came along, with her ultra feminine irresponsibility.

From Project Gutenberg