fall over themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fall over themselves' is an idiom that is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations where someone is trying very hard to do something for someone else, often to appear friendly or helpful. For example, "The store employees were falling over themselves to help me find the right product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nowadays writers, actors and directors fall over themselves to get involved in playing to an audience that is up for any kind of adventure, and without theatrical preconceptions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This week the Conservatives could not fall over themselves fast enough to condemn him for his apparently homophobic comments – he said the party was "riddled" with gay people who hid their orientation.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a lean year like this one, people fall over themselves proclaiming the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to be a racist institution that purposely doesn't honor minorities or women.

Vice

People fall over themselves to throw paper money at her.

The Guardian - Travel

Certainly acceptable for the people who fall over themselves to hire her for her trolling.

Independent

You need something that will make employers fall over themselves inviting you for an interview.

Independent

In Don Giovanni, women fall over themselves to be seduced by a serial abuser.

The Times

Council leaders fall over themselves to please their local vice-chancellors.

The Guardian - Business

Tory ministers foolishly fall over themselves to appease Ukip defectors over Europe and immigration.

The Guardian

Governments and celebrities fall over themselves to laud India for its progress.

The Guardian

"Competitions", he says, "fall over themselves to find juries with eclectic tastes, representing every corner of the musical world.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "fall over themselves" to add color to your writing. This idiom is more engaging than stating someone is "eager" or "trying hard".

Common error

Avoid using "fall over themselves" in situations where only moderate effort is involved. The idiom implies a high degree of eagerness and enthusiasm; using it for minor actions dilutes its impact and may sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall over themselves" functions as an idiomatic expression, vividly describing a situation where individuals or groups are exceptionally eager and competitive. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is both grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "fall over themselves" is a vibrant expression used to describe situations of extreme eagerness or competition, as Ludwig's AI confirms. Occurring frequently in news and media, it paints a vivid picture of individuals or groups vying to assist or please. While grammatically sound, its intensity makes it more suitable for informal and neutral registers rather than strictly formal or academic writing. For alternative expressions, consider "bend over backwards" or "go out of their way" for similar connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be tripping over each other

Shares the physical imagery of the idiom, but focuses on competition and clumsiness.

bend over backwards

Implies a willingness to do whatever it takes, even if it's difficult or inconvenient, emphasizing effort and sacrifice.

go out of their way

Indicates making a special effort, often to be helpful or accommodating.

go to great lengths

Implies taking significant or extreme measures to achieve something.

scramble to

Conveys a sense of urgency and competition in trying to achieve something.

make every effort

Similar to 'try very hard', but slightly more formal.

be extremely eager

Focuses on the enthusiasm and anticipation of the subject.

vie aggressively

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of trying to gain something.

try very hard

A more general expression indicating significant effort.

be very keen

Suggests strong interest and enthusiasm.

FAQs

What does it mean when people "fall over themselves"?

When people "fall over themselves", it means they are extremely eager and competitive to do something, often to please or assist someone. It suggests a high level of enthusiasm and effort.

How can I use "fall over themselves" in a sentence?

You can say, "The staff at the hotel "fell over themselves" to ensure we had a pleasant stay", indicating they were very attentive and helpful.

What can I say instead of "fall over themselves"?

You can use alternatives like "bend over backwards", "go out of their way", or "be extremely eager" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "fall over themselves" in formal writing?

While "fall over themselves" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In highly formal writing, consider using a more restrained phrase like "make every effort" or "be exceptionally diligent".