[Vocabulary] crumpled into a heap

[Silverobama]

Hi.

This sentence is from Cambridge.org.

The bullet hit him and he crumpled into a heap on the floor. (Source: crumple)

I can see the Chinese meaning of this phrase but I wonder if you can tell me how I can explain it in English.

 

[Rover_KE]

Have you consulted English dictionaries?

 

[Silverobama]

Have you consulted English dictionaries?

I am sorry, Rover. I didn't. And I read carefully just now in thefreedictionary.com. (I couldn't get access to your link.)

I found these meanings.

1. A group of things placed or thrown, one on top of the other: a heap of dirty rags lying in the corner.
2. often heaps Informal A great deal; a lot: We have heaps of homework tonight.
3. Slang An old or run-down car.

Is it the first one?

 

[Skrej]

Are you asking about 'crumple' or 'heap? You seem to be looking at the word 'heap' in post #3, but 'crumple' in post #1.

Rover's link is for 'crumple'.

 

[Silverobama]

Are you asking about 'crumple' or 'heap? You seem to be looking at the word 'heap' in post #3, but 'crumple' in post #1.

Rover's link is for 'crumple'.

I want to know what "heap" means. I underlined the whole phrase.

 

[Tarheel]

You are right about the definitions of heap, but that doesn't help you. Once again, you have to look at the whole phrase.

hit by a bullet - shot
crumpled into a heap - fell and hit the ground/floor

 

[GoesStation]

Try he collapsed untidily onto the floor, where he resembled a loose pile of clothes. The author wants the reader to imagine someone with his arms and legs folded loosely, partially under his body. His head and one shoulder might be touching the floor, with the other shoulder supported by one arm.

 

[Tarheel]

I imagine that if somebody falls on the floor after being shot it looks pretty much the same regardless.