“Bowled Over”
Meaning: To be overwhelmed, astonished, or completely surprised. Originates from the game of cricket where it signifies knocking all the bails off the wicket. The term has been used figuratively since the twentieth century.
Similar Terms:
- Blow out of the water: To utterly defeat or destroy.
- Flabbergast: To shock or surprise someone greatly.
- Dumbfound: To make someone speechless with astonishment.
- Staggered: To be shocked, usually to the point of near disbelief.
- Aghast: Filled with horror or shock.
Humorous Example
“I was bowled over when my cat started singing opera. It was the purrfect performance!”
Synonyms:
Astonish, amaze, stun, startle, stagger, astound.
Antonyms:
Unimpressed, bored, indifferent, unconcerned.
Quotes:
“She was as bowled over by the view as if she’d been a novice cricketer facing a seasoned bowler.” – Fictional Larry Literate
“To be astonished is one thing, to be completely bowled over leaves an impact that’s undeniably more memorable.” – Imaginary Ida Idiomsmith
Related Literature:
- Book: The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens – sports and surprise reactions go hand-in-hand.
- Song: “Surprise, Surprise” by Bruce Springsteen – describes unexpected emotions.
- Movie: Forrest Gump – the innumerable surprises and unforeseen events that astonish both Forrest and viewers.
Literature Suggestion:
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – Filled with moments that figuratively bowl over the protagonists and readers alike.
Inspirational Thought
“The greatest surprises are the ones that teach us the most about life’s unanticipated wonders.” – Imaginary Inspirationextra
Quizzes
That concludes our whimsical exploration of being “bowled over”! May your days be filled with delightful surprises and astonishing wonders.
Until we meet again in this marvelous linguistic playground, keep the amazement alive and the clichés refreshingly amusing!
Yours in awe and words, B. M. Bowlectrix
