bowl up

C1 informal intransitive

In simple words

To arrive somewhere, often unexpectedly or in a relaxed, casual way.

Literal meaning: To roll or bowl upward to a location.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

rare

To arrive somewhere in a casual, relaxed, or unannounced manner.

"He just bowled up at the party without being invited and helped himself to a drink."

Usage notes

Mainly British English, somewhat dated or regional. Implies an easy, unhurried, or slightly cheeky arrival. Less common in modern everyday speech.

unannounced casually late uninvited door

Base

bowl up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

bowls up

he/she/it

Past simple

bowled up

yesterday

Past participle

bowled up

have + pp

-ing form

bowling up

continuous

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