trip over each other
Meaning(s)
1. hurrying to complete a task/ competing
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
trip over each other to get something done
Analysis
When people are 'tripping over each other' they are hurrying to get to something or competing with each other in order to achieve something. If you 'trip over yourself' to do something you do it in a hurried and eager way. This is a casual expression used more often in informal situations.
Social Examples (Advance)
- The parents almost tripped over each other in their rush to congratulate their daughter on her engagement.
- As soon as the tickets went on sale people were tripping all over each other to buy them.
- The public were tripping over each other to get a photo with the celebrity.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- The employees were tripping over each other to wish their boss a happy birthday.
- We were tripping over each other to welcome Maria back after having her baby.
- Other companies will be tripping over each other to tender for this contract so we really need to stand out.