1 B2 idiomatic informal
To be so enthusiastic or eager to do something that one appears clumsy or excessive.
"The moment a famous actor walked in, the staff were falling over themselves to bring him complimentary drinks."
inseparable
fall over oneself
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To be extremely eager or enthusiastic to do something, to the point of being almost clumsy about it.
In plain English
To try so hard or be so eager to do something that you almost get in your own way.
What does "fall over oneself" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To stumble over one's own body — physically tripping on oneself from moving too fast.
Actually means
To try so hard or be so eager to do something that you almost get in your own way.
Usage tip
Often used with a slightly ironic or critical tone, suggesting that someone is being overly eager or obsequious. Commonly followed by an infinitive ('fall over themselves to help'). Usually used in the plural reflexive form 'fall over themselves'.
Words that pair with "fall over oneself"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
to help to please to congratulate to agree to accommodate to impress
How to conjugate "fall over oneself"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fall over oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls over oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
fell over oneself
yesterday
Past participle
fallen over oneself
have + pp
-ing form
falling over oneself
continuous
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