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brim over

C1 formal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

to be so full that it spills out

Literal meaning: to fill to the brim and go over

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

to overflow because something is filled to the top

"The bucket brims over after every heavy rain."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic formal

to be full of strong feeling so that it is openly expressed

"He was brimming over with pride as he watched his daughter graduate."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Usually literary or expressive. Common with figurative subjects such as joy, pride, or gratitude.

Commonly used with

tears emotion joy pride cup river

Forms

Base
brim over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
brims over
he/she/it
Past simple
brimed over
yesterday
Past participle
brimed over
have + pp
-ing form
briming over
continuous

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Synonyms

overflow spill over be full of bubble over

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