meaning of trip over phrase

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The phrase "tripped over something" often describes a situation where someone accidentally stumbles or falls because of an obstacle. This can be a literal physical obstacle, like a toy left on the floor, or it can be used figuratively to mean encountering an unexpected problem or challenge. It's a phrase that paints a vivid picture of a sudden and unexpected interruption.

• It describes accidentally stumbling or falling due to an obstacle.
• It can also mean facing an unexpected challenge or problem.

What Does "Tripped Over Something" Mean?

When someone says they "tripped over something," they're usually talking about a sudden stumble or fall caused by an obstacle. This could be because of a physical object in their way or a metaphor for a sudden problem they didn't see coming. For instance, someone might say, "I tripped over my shoelaces," if they literally fell because of untied shoes. But the y might also say, "I tripped over a detail in the contract," meaning they found an unexpected issue while reviewing a document.

Let's explore its core meanings and usage:

• It often describes a physical stumble caused by something in one's path.
• The phrase can be used to talk about unexpected challenges in various situations.
• It highlights the surprise element of the stumble or challenge.
• It is commonly used in everyday conversations to describe literal and figurative stumbling blocks.
• Similar phrases include "stumbled upon," "ran into a snag," and "hit a roadblock."

Where Does "Tripped Over Something" Come From?

The phrase "tripped over something" has its roots in the physical act of tripping or stumbling. The word "trip" has been used in the English language since the 14th century, originally meaning "to step lightly" or "to skip." Its meaning evolved to include stumbling or making a misstep, especially because of an obstacle.

Historical Example

"As I was walking through the garden, I tripped over a hidden root and found myself face down in the mud." - Diary of a Victorian Lady, 1865

10 Examples of "Tripped Over Something" in Sentences

To help you understand when to use this phrase, let's look at some examples from different situations:

• One fine day , I tripped over something while exploring the park.
• She was so excited about her new shoes that she didn't notice the toy on the floor and tripped over it.
• Later, gator . I called out after my friend tripped over something on our way out.
• At the party, Sarah tripped over the long cord of the microphone.
• While exploring the attic, he tripped over an old box filled with memories.
• Oh my gosh , did you see how she tripped over something in the middle of the performance?
• During the play, one of the actors tripped over a prop left on the stage.
• She was so engrossed in her book that she tripped over the doorstep.
• A worker tripped over some wires at the construction site, causing a minor accident.
• Tread lightly in that old warehouse; I once tripped over something hidden beneath the dust.

Examples of "Tripped Over Something" in Pop Culture

This phrase also pops up in pop culture and is often used to depict humorous or unexpected situations.

Here are some moments where it made an appearance:

• In the movie "Home Alone," one of the burglars trips over toys set as traps by the young protagonist.
• In an article on LADbible, the author recounts a scene from a TV show where a character named Mr. Blobby tripped over something and fell flat on his face.
• An article about social phobia in University Health News: "Social phobia can be the result of an embarrassing situation in childhood—perhaps you were told off in public or maybe tripped over something and were made a subject of ridicule."

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Tripped Over Something"

Here are some alternative phrases that convey a similar idea:

• Stumbled over
• Got caught on
• Lost balance because of
• Got tripped up by
• Stumbled upon
• Fell due to
• Got tangled with
• Was thrown off by

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Tripped Over Something":

• What does "tripped over something" mean?

"Tripped over something" means that someone accidentally stumbled or lost their balance because of an object or obstacle in their path. It can be used both literally, like tripping over a rock, and figuratively, like tripping over one's words.

• How can I use "tripped over something" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where someone lost their balance or made a mistake. For example: "She tripped over the rug and spilled her coffee" or "He tripped over his words during the presentation.

• Is it a common phrase?

Yes, "tripped over something" is a common phrase used to describe both physical mishaps and metaphorical mistakes or blunders.

• Does it always refer to a physical action?

While it often refers to a physical action, it can also be used figuratively to describe making a mistake or facing an unexpected challenge.

• Can it be humorous?

Yes, depending on the context, "tripped over something" can be used in a humorous way, especially when the trip doesn't result in any harm or serious consequences.

• How is it different from "stumbled upon"?

"Tripped over something" usually refers to an accident or mistake, while "stumbled upon" often means discovering something by chance, without looking for it.

• What's its role in storytelling or movies?

In storytelling or movies, "tripped over something" can be used to introduce a twist, create humor, or show a character's vulnerability or clumsiness.

• Is it used more in casual or formal settings?

"Tripped over something" is more commonly used in casual settings, but it can appear in formal contexts when discussing accidents or unexpected challenges.

• Can it be used metaphorically?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe making a mistake or facing an unexpected obstacle in non-physical situations, like a conversation or a project.

• Does it imply carelessness?

It can imply carelessness, especially if someone trips over something obvious. However, it can also simply indicate an accident or unexpected obstacle.

Final Thoughts About "Tripped Over Something"

The phrase "tripped over something" is a versatile way to describe both literal stumbles and figurative mistakes. It's a relatable expression, as everyone has had moments of tripping, whether physically or metaphorically.

Here's a quick recap:

• It describes both physical mishaps and metaphorical blunders.
• It can be used humorously or seriously, depending on the context.
• The phrase is common in everyday language and can be found in various forms of media.
• It's a reminder that everyone faces obstacles, but it's how we recover that matters.

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English Guide

Help center

What does the phrasal verb “trip over” mean?

What are the definitions of “trip over”.

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

I TRIPPED OVER and hurt my knee.

I TRIPPED OVER the kerb and broke my nose.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “trip over”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb trip over is to fall or stumble, usually because of hitting an obstacle or losing balance. It can refer to falling down or just stumbling without falling.

What are the different verb forms of “trip over”?

Be careful not to trip over the toys on the floor.

She often trips over her own feet when she's not paying attention.

He is always tripping over things in his messy room.

Yesterday, I tripped over a rock while hiking.

He had tripped over the rug and spilled his drink.

What kind of phrasal verb is “trip over”?

Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“trip over” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

She tripped over and hurt her ankle.

He tripped over while running.

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“trip over” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “trip over”?

Trip over one's words

To speak in a hesitant or stumbling manner, often due to nervousness or lack of confidence.

During the presentation, he tripped over his words and lost his train of thought.

Trip over oneself

To be overly eager or enthusiastic about something, often to the point of clumsiness or making mistakes.

She was so excited about the opportunity that she tripped over herself trying to impress the boss.

Trip over something

To encounter an unexpected problem or obstacle.

We tripped over a few issues while working on the project, but we managed to resolve them.

Good things to know

Does “trip over” have an informal or formal tone.

Trip over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “trip over”?

Antonyms for {keyword}.

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Definition of trip verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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Definition of trip

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

Definition of trip  (Entry 2 of 2)

• peregrination

Examples of trip in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English trippen , from Anglo-French treper, triper , of Germanic origin; akin to Old English treppan to tread — more at trap

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 3a

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Phrases Containing trip

• business trip
• lay / put a guilt trip on
• on a power trip
• roll / trip off the tongue
• round - trip ticket
• trip - hammer
• trip the light fantastic

Dictionary Entries Near trip

trioxymethylene

Cite this Entry

“Trip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trip. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of trip.

Kids Definition of trip  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on trip

Nglish: Translation of trip for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of trip for Arabic Speakers

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verb as in learn

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• stumble upon

verb as in locate

• come across
• happen upon
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Example sentences.

If Romney tries to run or tiptoe away, he will trip over his own flip-flops.

Why would you say to a woman in a wheelchair, “Do people trip over you?”

Dunton has been making an inspection trip over the system with a dozen or so of his New York cronies.

Heggie is almost the only actor we know who can trip over a door sill and keep his performance in two dimensions.

He made his first trip over the road as a wagoner in 1823, going clear through to Baltimore.

The next morning promised fair weather, and after some hesitation, we packed up for the trip over to North Park.

It was a hurried trip over rough streets to catch the train.

Related Words

Words related to trip over are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word trip over . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

verb as in discover, find out

verb as in find

• track/track down

On this page you'll find 63 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to trip over, such as: determine, gain, hear, see, understand, and ascertain.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of trip (someone) up in English

Trip (someone) up.

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• I tripped up on a piece of loose carpet .
• He deliberately tripped me up.
• She tripped up and dropped the tray .
• He tripped up on the doorstep .
• A fallen branch tripped me up.
• collapse under someone's/something's weight
• collapse/fall in a heap idiom
• drop like flies idiom
• knock someone over
• let go idiom
• overbalance
• parachutist

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

• balls (something) up
• blunderingly
• make a cock-up of something
• misdiagnose
• misdiagnosis
• misremember
• speak/talk out of turn idiom
• stumblingly
• to err is human (to forgive divine). idiom
• uncorrectable

trip up (someone) | American Dictionary

Trip up (someone), translations of trip (someone) up.

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

a name someone uses instead of their real name, especially on a written work

Hidden in plain sight: words and phrases connected with hiding

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Local election results: Labour admits Gaza a factor in some council election losses - as senior Tory says London mayor result 'might be tight'

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Friday 3 May 2024 20:25, UK

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• Watch and follow the Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge, live
• Labour shadow minister says 'we need to reflect' over Gaza stance 
• Labour wins mayoralty in PM's own backyard
• Relief for PM as Tory mayor clings on in key race
• But Sunak admits overall results are 'disappointing'
• Tories could be 'almost annihilated' at general election
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• Live reporting by Katie Williams , Emily Mee , and (earlier) Andy Hayes and  Ben Bloch

Now Sophy Ridge wants to know whether Reform UK's "missing ingredient" is Nigel Farage. 

Richard Tice says they are "very good friends" and Mr Farage "has got a big decision to make". 

He says the "more help Nigel can give, the better" and there is "no 'i' in 'team'". 

Mr Tice says Mr Farage is "the most famous politician in the country". 

Asked whether the former UKIP leader would want to come back, Mr Tice says: "Let's wait and see."

Reform UK leader Richard Tice is next up on the programme, and says he is "delighted" by his party's election results. 

He says his party had its "strongest byelection result by some margin" and is starting to win council seats. 

But Sophy Ridge points out that UKIP had outpolled Reform UK at local elections, and yet still wasn't able to win a seat in Westminster. 

She argues Reform UK will not get the cut-through when it comes to the general election. 

Mr Tice says this is "completely wrong" and the Tories are "facing annihilation". 

"We have two forms of socialism in the two main parties - there's no difference between the two of them," he says. 

Sophy asks whether he believes Rishi Sunak is a socialist, and he says it is "literally the definition" of socialism to raise taxes and spending. 

Voter turnout figures for the London mayoral election - one of the most closely watched - have landed this evening. 

Some 40.5% of the capital's electorate headed to polling stations to cast their vote, according to data from London Elects. 

The figure is down 1.5% on the 2021 turnout. 

The election result will be announced on Saturday once votes have been counted in 14 constituencies.

The lower turnout has sent rumours swirling that the election could be tighter than it was thought, with opinion polls having indicated Sadiq Khan would secure re-election relatively comfortably.

Sophy Ridge wants to get the opinion of our Politics Hub panel, and former government special adviser James Starkie says he believes this vote will be a game-changer in a sense. 

"For the last four or five years, London has been considered a Labour city and impossible [for the Conservatives to win]," he says.

"My prediction would be, whatever the result, when we come out of it that will no longer be the case and it will be seen as at least winnable." 

Former Labour minister Caroline Flint says Mr Khan may have been impacted by the switch to first past the post. 

"In the past, the Labour candidate would have benefited from Greens, Liberals and others to the left voting their second preference for Labour," she says.

This might be a terrible set of results for the Conservatives, but it's not an unequivocally good night for Labour either, our elections analyst Professor Michael Thrasher says. 

Labour has lost some seats to independents, and the drop for the Conservatives is not fully reflected in Labour's rise, he says. 

Thrasher says local voters are becoming more "willing to engage with smaller parties" as well as with independents. 

He also points out the "enormity of the task facing Labour". 

"Starmer and his party require a swing larger than any seen in any post-war election just to win a majority of two seats," he says. 

Even Tony Blair did not achieve a swing of 12.7%, he says. 

"Labour still has not crossed the line, even on these results," he adds. 

It's more bad news for the Conservative Party as it loses control of two more councils.

Havant is now under no overall control after the Tories lost 17 seats there.

Labour gained seven seats and the Lib Dems gained five. It also marked the first seat gains of the local elections for Reform UK, which secured two.

The Conservatives have also lost Dudley to no overall control after a loss of 11 seats.

Seven more seats went to Labour, three to the Lib Dems and one to an independent candidate.

Yvette Cooper says Labour's stance on Gaza has "obviously been a factor" which has seen the party's vote share fall in some areas.

The shadow home secretary tells the Politics Hub that many people "rightly" feel strongly about the issue as "tens of thousands of people have been killed, including the majority of them women and children".

Questioned on whether Labour feels it is on the right course or will change its stance, Ms Cooper says: "We have to recognise the strength of feeling on this issue and I think we always take the view in the Labour Party that we need to earn every vote and therefore we have to always listen and reflect. When we lose votes in any area, we always have to listen."

The crisis in Gaza is an issue that spans beyond party political debates, she says.

Labour previously faced heavy criticism over its repeated refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire.

Keir Starmer triggered anger among many people within his own party after comments he made about Israel during an LBC interview in October.

In the widely shared clip, the Labour leader was asked what a "proportionate" response would look like, to which Sir Keir replied that responsibility "lies with Hamas" and that Israel "has the right to defend herself".

Presenter Nick Ferrari interjected: "A siege is appropriate? Cutting off power, cutting off water?"

The Labour leader replied: "I think that Israel does have that right. It is an ongoing situation."

He added: "Obviously everything should be done within international law, but I don't want to step away from the core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself and Hamas bears responsibility for the terrorist acts."

Next up on the show is shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper.

She says the results of the local elections so far indicate the country is "desperate for change".

But she notes that they don't "translate completely" to general elections.

She says the party will continue to work for "every single vote" .

Sophy Ridge now questions Mel Stride over "rumours swirling in London that we could see an upset", referring to a potential loss for Sadiq Khan. 

"I don't know, we have to wait for the results," the work and pensions secretary says.

"There are indeed suggestions that it might be tighter than one would imagine." 

He won't be drawn on the subject any more than that. 

Next up is Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, who admits the results have been "difficult" for the Tories. 

Although he points to a couple of more optimistic results in Tees Valley and Harlow, he says he is "not putting any gloss on this". 

But he says the Conservatives are now looking ahead to the general election, as that is what's "really going to matter". 

Asked by Sophy Ridge whether they will change anything, he says the manifesto has not yet been created so he won't comment on that. 

However, he suggests Labour will need to start making changes.

He says the opposition party will "have to start explaining what their policies are".

"People are going to expect more of Labour and they are going to have to actually tell us what they stand for," Mr Stride says, adding there will be a "very different dynamic going forward".

We're talking now to our panel, and former government special adviser James Starkie says the low turnout in the polls suggests there is a "significant number of unknowns" in terms of voters.

He says the Tories will be targeting those who are undecided when it comes to the general election, adding that "no one has really put a compelling case" for many people. 

Former Labour minister Caroline Flint says Labour will be "pleased" with the results as it has done well where it wanted to do so. 

She points out York and North Yorkshire in particular, which she says is "not easy for Labour".

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