heal over
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
For a cut or sore to get better and grow new skin on top.
Literal meaning: To heal so that new tissue grows 'over' the surface of a wound.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
(of a wound or injury) To close up and form new skin, completing the surface healing process.
"Keep the bandage on until the cut heals over — you don't want it to get infected."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
(figurative) For emotional pain or a difficult situation to gradually diminish and become less raw.
"It took years, but eventually the grief healed over and she found happiness again."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily used for physical wounds, cuts, sores, and injuries. Emphasises the surface layer closing over. Also used figuratively for emotional pain or trauma that gradually fades. Less common than 'heal up' in everyday speech.
Commonly used with
wound cut sore scratch blister burns
Forms
Base
heal over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
heals over
he/she/it
Past simple
healed over
yesterday
Past participle
healed over
have + pp
-ing form
healing over
continuous
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