spill over
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle over
Meanings
Liquid flows over the rim
Why “over”? Someone or something crosses a space or obstacle from one side to the other.
“Juice spilled over the rim of the glass.”
“The soup spilled over the edge of the pot.”
Start in one area and affect another
Why “over”? A situation passes, continues beyond a limit, or is delayed until later.
“Problems at work can spill over into family life.”
“The argument spilled over into the next meeting.”
Test yourself
“Juice spilled over the rim of the glass.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
blow over
Same over pattern: beyond
(of trouble or storm) Pass and be forgotten
climb over
Same over pattern: arc
Cross by climbing the obstacle
cross over
Same over pattern: arc
Move from one side to the other
get over
Same over pattern: arc
Recover from an illness or upset; Overcome a difficulty; Cross to the other side of an obstacle; Manage to finish something difficult
go over
Same over pattern: arc
Move from this side to the other; Examine or review something carefully; Be received in a particular way by an audience; Move to visit someone's house; Change to a different side, system or position; Use more time or money than a limit
hold over
Same over pattern: beyond
Postpone something to a later time
hop over
Same over pattern: arc
Cross with a small jump
jump over
Same over pattern: arc
Cross with a leap
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