be falling over (oneself) to (do something)

be falling over (oneself) to (do something)

To do something in a way that reveals one's overeagerness. The phrase is typically used to depict such behavior as foolish or pathetic. Oh, he's been falling over himself to impress some girl in his class. It's truly nauseating how everyone is falling all over themselves to make a good impression on the CEO. If you're falling all over yourself to make somebody like you, she's probably not worth it, honestly.

See also: fall, over, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be falling over yourself to do something

INFORMAL

If people are falling over themselves to do something, they are very enthusiastic about doing it. Within days of his death his former friends were falling over themselves to denounce him. Hollywood producers were falling over themselves to put me on the silver screen. Note: This expression is often used to show disapproval.

See also: fall, over, something, to

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012