1 C1 idiomatic informal
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."
bowl up
C1 informal intransitive
To arrive or appear somewhere in a casual or confident manner.
In plain English
To arrive somewhere, often unexpectedly or in a relaxed, casual way.
What does "bowl up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To roll or bowl upward to a location.
Actually means
To arrive somewhere, often unexpectedly or in a relaxed, casual way.
Usage tip
Mainly British English, somewhat dated or regional. Implies an easy, unhurried, or slightly cheeky arrival. Less common in modern everyday speech.
Words that pair with "bowl up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
unannounced casually late uninvited door
How to conjugate "bowl up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "bowl up" in the wild
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