1 B2 idiomatic informal
To be so eager to do something that you become clumsy, make errors, or appear foolish in the process.
"The politicians were tripping over themselves to claim credit for the popular new policy."
inseparable
trip over oneself
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To be so eager or hurried to do something that you become clumsy or make mistakes in the process.
In plain English
To be so excited or in such a hurry to do something that you mess it up or look silly.
What does "trip over oneself" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To become confused or contradict yourself when speaking, especially out of nervousness or excessive enthusiasm.
"He tripped over himself trying to explain why he had changed his position so many times."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically stumble over your own feet.
Actually means
To be so excited or in such a hurry to do something that you mess it up or look silly.
Usage tip
Often used sarcastically or critically to imply that someone's eagerness is excessive or embarrassing. Frequently appears in the pattern 'trip over oneself to do something'. Common in journalism and commentary.
Words that pair with "trip over oneself"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
apologize congratulate please explain praise volunteer
How to conjugate "trip over oneself"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
trip over oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
trips over oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
triped over oneself
yesterday
Past participle
triped over oneself
have + pp
-ing form
triping over oneself
continuous
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