go overboard


Show excessive enthusiasm, act in an excessive way. For example, It's easy to go overboard with a new stock offering, or She really went overboard, hiring the most expensive caterer. [Mid-1900s]

Words Nearby go overboard

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use go overboard in a sentence

  • As it was, it was necessary for half the crew to go overboard, stand on the rock, and lift the canoe off.

  • Neither is she the kind to go overboard in a few days, especially when I was there.

    Sentiment, Inc. | Poul William Anderson
  • If he should really go overboard with a bullet in his brain, farewell to Kate Bonnet, farewell to his mother!

    Kate Bonnet | Frank R. Stockton
  • Artie Lyon had seen Sandy go overboard, and now he drew his uncle's attention to the scene.

    An Undivided Union | Oliver Optic
  • So it is harmless, and if we can tire one out I'm not afraid to go overboard and tackle him in the water.

    Dick in the Everglades | A. W. Dimock