PhrasesHub

Over the top

    Definitions

      • excessive
        Describing something as being too much or going beyond what is necessary or appropriate

      • extravagant
        Referring to something as being showy or flamboyant in a way that is excessive or overdone

      • extreme
        Describing a situation or behavior as being beyond the normal or reasonable limits

    Examples of Over the top

    • Emily's birthday party was over the top. There were balloons, streamers, a clown, a magician, a cake shaped like a unicorn, and a photo booth with tons of props.

      This example means that Emily's birthday party was extravagant and excessive. The phrase "over the top" implies that the party went beyond what is necessary or expected, and that it was extremely elaborate and extravagant.

    • The beautiful sunset took my breath away, but the fireworks display that followed was truly over the top.

      This example means that the fireworks display was even more impressive than the beautiful sunset. The phrase "over the top" implies that the display was extremely grand and spectacular, leaving the person breathless with amazement.

    • Some people found the presentation a little over the top, with too many bells and whistles and not enough substance.

      This example means that some people thought the presentation had too many unnecessary extras, making it too grandiose and excessive. The phrase "over the top" implies that the presentation went beyond what was required, with an excessive amount of attention-grabbing elements that distracted from the actual content.

    • The magical kingdom that the animals escaped to was beyond anything they'd ever seen before - truly over the top.

      This example means that the magical kingdom was more amazing than anything the animals had ever experienced before. The phrase "over the top" implies that the kingdom was almost too fantastic and unbelievable to be real, and that it exceeded their wildest expectations.

    • John's birthday party was over the top. There were dozens of colorful balloons, a bouncy castle, and even a clown entertaining the children.

      In this example, "over the top" is being used to describe the extravagance and excessiveness of John's birthday party. Literally, it means that the party is beyond the usual or expected limit, as if it were going over the top of some imaginary barrier. In this case, it suggests that the party was very lavish and extravagant.

    • Rachel's outfit was over the top. She wore a sequin top, a metallic skirt, and a pair of sky-high heels.

      In this example, "over the top" is being used to describe the excessive and extravagant nature of Rachel's outfit. Literally, it means that her outfit is beyond the usual or expected limit, as if it were going over the top of some imaginary barrier. In this case, it suggests that Rachel's outfit was very bold and attention-grabbing.

    • The teacher's praise for Tim's performance in the science fair was over the top. She told him that his project was the best she had ever seen and that he should appear on television to share his findings with the world.

      In this example, "over the top" is being used to describe the excessive and exaggerated nature of the teacher's praise for Tim's performance in the science fair. Literally, it means that her praise is beyond the usual or expected limit, as if it were going over the top of some imaginary barrier. In this case, it suggests that the teacher's praise was very enthusiastic and extravagant.

    • The sports commentator's commentary during the game was over the top. He made exaggerated gestures, jumped out of his seat, and shouted praises for every player on both teams.

      In this example, "over the top" is being used to describe the excessive and over-the-top nature of the sports commentator's commentary during the game. Literally, it means that his commentary is beyond the usual or expected limit, as if it were going over the top of some imaginary barrier. In this case, it suggests that the sports commentator's commentary was very dramatic and enthusiastic.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "over the top" is used to convey the idea of excessiveness or extremity in various contexts. It can be used to describe something as being too much or going beyond what is necessary or appropriate. Additionally, it can also be used to refer to something as being showy or flamboyant in a way that is excessive or overdone. Overall, the idiom is used to emphasize the extreme nature of a situation or behavior.

    Origin of "Over the top"

    The origin of the idiom "over the top" can be traced back to its literal meaning in military contexts. During World War I, soldiers would go "over the top" of the trenches to engage in battle, often facing extreme danger and peril. Over time, the phrase came to be associated with going beyond the normal or reasonable limits, leading to its figurative usage in everyday language. The idiom has since evolved to convey the idea of excessiveness or extremity in various contexts, reflecting its historical roots in the intensity of wartime experiences.