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trip over oneself

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To be so excited or in such a hurry to do something that you mess it up or look silly.

Literal meaning: To physically stumble over your own feet.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

apologize congratulate please explain praise volunteer

Forms

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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Synonyms

fall over oneself bend over backwards rush to scramble to be overeager be too hasty

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