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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

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

• 3 [ intransitive ] + adv./prep. ( literary ) to walk, run, or dance with quick light steps She said goodbye and tripped off along the road. ( figurative ) a melody with a light tripping rhythm
• 4 [ transitive ] trip something to release a switch, etc. or to operate something by doing so to trip a switch Any intruders will trip the alarm.
• 5 [ intransitive ] ( informal ) to be under the influence of a drug that makes you hallucinate

Other results

• a guilt trip
• a trip/walk down memory lane
• roll/slip/trip off the tongue

Nearby words

Trip over meaning in English

Learn how to use Trip over correctly with Gymglish. Test and improve your English. Start your free trial today.

• " First of all, there's the dead body in the hall - you tripped over it on the way in, remember? "
• " It's true that his chemicals were well arranged when I entered the room. But by the end of the first day I nearly tripped over a bottle of hydrobromide trying to find the door. "

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English [ edit ]

Verb [ edit ].

trip over ( third-person singular simple present trip overs , present participle trip overing , simple past and past participle trip overed )

• To trip or stumble and almost fall, as a result of bumping into someone or something with one's feet.

Translations [ edit ]

• English lemmas
• English verbs
• English phrasal verbs
• English phrasal verbs with particle (over)
• English multiword terms

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transitive verb

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“Overtrip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtrip. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Meaning of trip – Learner’s Dictionary

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• Details of the president's trip remain shrouded in secrecy .
• They suffered a series of mishaps during the trip.
• I've just been on a trip to France.
• We will have a car at our disposal for the whole trip.
• Talking of holidays , did you hear about Lesley's skiing trip?

trip verb ( FALL )

Trip verb ( make fall ), phrasal verbs.

(Definition of trip from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of trip

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be up to your eyeballs in something

to be very busy with something

Binding, nailing, and gluing: talking about fastening things together

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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

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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.

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  Vocabulary      

What does trip over mean?

Definitions for trip over trip over, this dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word trip over ., did you actually mean trip wire or tripper , how to pronounce trip over.

Alex US English David US English Mark US English Daniel British Libby British Mia British Karen Australian Hayley Australian Natasha Australian Veena Indian Priya Indian Neerja Indian Zira US English Oliver British Wendy British Fred US English Tessa South African

How to say trip over in sign language?

Chaldean Numerology

The numerical value of trip over in Chaldean Numerology is: 8

Pythagorean Numerology

The numerical value of trip over in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

Examples of trip over in a Sentence

Wesley D'Amico :

No matter how big you are, you will trip over yourself.

Hansa Bhargava :

Could they fall down the stairs? Sure, it can be very dangerous. It's also good to be sure the house and windows are locked, and the alarm is on. And take precautions so they don't trip over clutter. Those things can happen, and it's good to be mindful of that.

Be careful not to trip over yourself.

Jonathan Guilmette :

I don’t know what was his intention, it is really hard to judge what’s the intention. I don’t know if he tried to grab the skates or if he is just trying to hold onto something like a reflex – there are so many hands all over in our sport. That was a reflex thing more than trying to trip over someone else.

Charles Spencer :

The only way I'm gonna trip over a bitch is if she lies on the floor.

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"trip over." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. < https://www.definitions.net/definition/trip+over >.

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