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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
got walked over
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "got walked over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is treated unfairly or disrespected, often implying that they were taken advantage of. Example: "During the meeting, I felt like I got walked over when my ideas were dismissed without consideration."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
"It's not like we just got walked over," Davis said.
News & Media
As Tony Blair's health-policy adviser in 2004 and 2005, Julian Le Grand of the London School of Economics spotted the danger: "I was worried that the primary-care trusts were too weak; too often they got walked over by the hospital trusts".One step has been to rationalise the primary-care trusts.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
To have him called a failure by people who allow routine to defeat them on a daily basis, who allow themselves to get walked over in their jobs and get robbed by the political classes.
News & Media
They want you to be tough enough that they know you're not going to get walked over when you're in office.
News & Media
Don't let yourself get walked all over!
Wiki
But it's a classic dating principal: If you are easy, if you'll do anything without ever asking for anything back, if you want everyone to like you and are always the "nice girl you are going to get walked all over.
News & Media
Don't get walked all over, but be the one who stands up and says sorry.
News & Media
Without confidence, a Dungeon Master is likely to get walked all over.
News & Media
A best friend will make sure you don't get walked all over. 5. Travel gives you a mutual experience to savor together.
News & Media
Don't get walked all over.
Wiki
The goal here is to be realistic, though, not to let yourself get walked all over.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "got walked over", ensure the context clearly indicates unfair treatment or disregard. This idiom is most effective when conveying a sense of being taken advantage of.
Common error
Avoid using "got walked over" in formal or professional settings. Opt for more direct and professional language like "was treated unfairly" or "was disregarded" to maintain a serious and respectful tone.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "got walked over" functions as an idiomatic passive construction, conveying that someone was subjected to unfair treatment or disregard. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. Examples show its use in contexts where someone's ideas or rights were ignored.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the idiomatic phrase "got walked over" describes a situation where someone has been treated unfairly or disregarded. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English, although it is more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. More formal settings would benefit from using alternatives such as "was treated unfairly" or "was disregarded". Its presence in news sources like The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian confirms its acceptability, but its infrequent usage suggests it should be used judiciously. Always consider your audience and the level of formality required when deciding whether to use "got walked over".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was taken advantage of
Focuses on the exploitation aspect, highlighting that someone benefited unfairly.
was disregarded
Emphasizes the lack of consideration or attention given to someone's needs or opinions.
was steamrolled
Suggests being overpowered or overwhelmed, often in a forceful or aggressive manner.
was pushed around
Implies being bullied or treated unfairly, often by someone in a position of power.
was trampled on
Highlights the damage inflicted, suggesting a disregard for someone's feelings or rights.
was dominated
Focuses on being controlled or overpowered by another party.
was overshadowed
Indicates being less prominent or significant compared to someone or something else.
was slighted
Suggests a subtle but noticeable act of disrespect or disregard.
was shortchanged
Implies receiving less than what was deserved or expected.
was exploited
Emphasizes being used unfairly for someone else's advantage.
FAQs
What does "got walked over" mean?
It means someone was treated unfairly or disregarded, often implying they were taken advantage of.
How can I use "got walked over" in a sentence?
Example: "During the negotiation, I felt like I "got walked over" when my proposals were ignored."
What can I say instead of "got walked over"?
You can use alternatives like "was taken advantage of", "was disregarded", or "was steamrolled" depending on the context.
Is "got walked over" appropriate for formal writing?
No, it's generally better to use more formal alternatives like "was treated unfairly" or "was disregarded" in formal writing.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested