The phrase "crawls all over" consists of three words with various spellings. "Crawls" is pronounced /krɔlz/ with a silent "w," and the vowel sound is the same as in "law." "All" is pronounced /ɔl/ with a short "o" sound similar to "doll." Finally, "over" is pronounced /oʊvər/ with a long "o" like in "so" and a schwa sound at the end. Together, these words create a phrase meaning to move or cover a surface completely.
"Crawls all over" is a phrase used to describe the action of moving slowly and steadily over a surface, typically with many simultaneous movements, covering a large area. This expression implies a multitude of movements resembling crawling, likely made by small creatures or objects, which are found everywhere or in large numbers.
When something "crawls all over," it suggests that there is an abundance of small entities or particles moving across a given space. These entities could be insects, such as ants or spiders, or even metaphorical creatures like goosebumps or chills that can cause a physical sensation on the skin. The phrase often conveys a sense of discomfort or unease, as the continuous crawling creates an atmosphere of invasion or overwhelming presence.
Moreover, the term can also be used figuratively to describe an overwhelming number or a constant stream of people or things. For instance, if a place is extremely crowded with people, one might say that the area is "crawling all over" with visitors. Similarly, if a website or server is being inundated with excessive traffic or requests, it could be said to be "crawling all over" with users.
In summary, "crawls all over" refers to a multitude of slow, constant movements covering a surface, either literally or metaphorically. This phrase conveys a sense of invasion, discomfort, or overwhelming presence due to an abundance of small entities or a flood of people or things.