be all over someone
Meaning
To touch, kiss, or flirt with someone very eagerly (often annoyingly); also, to criticize or monitor someone intensely.
Origin
From the literal sense of being physically “all over” a surface/person (covering them). By extension it came to mean being physically/romantically “all over” someone, and separately being figuratively “all over” someone with criticism or scrutiny.
Notes
Often implies excessive, clingy physical affection or flirting. In another common sense it means harshly criticizing or closely policing someone; context makes it clear.
Examples
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The reporters were all over the senator as soon as he stepped out of the car.
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At the party, Jamie was all over Chris, and everyone noticed.
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After the mistake, my boss was all over me about every little detail.
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When I opened the bag of treats, the dog was all over me in seconds.
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The defenders were all over our striker, so he barely got a shot off.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used as “be all over + person” (She was all over him). Tense changes with “be” (was/are/been). Object is usually a person; meaning depends on context (affection vs criticism/scrutiny).
Synonyms
- be all over
- paw at (someone)
- come on strong
- be on (someone)'s case
- be down (someone)'s throat
Antonyms
- leave someone alone
- give someone space
- lay off (someone)