on top of

1. In control of, fully informed about, as in The weeds were terrible, but the new gardener was soon on top of them , or Our senator always manages to be on top of the issues .

2. In addition to, following closely on, as in Several other benefits are being offered on top of a better salary , or On top of the flu Jane caught her sister's measles . [c. 1600]

3. Also, on top of one another . Very close to, crowded, as in I didn't see her until she was right on top of us , or In these condominiums people are living right on top of one another . [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

If this claimant gets that positive decision, he could be off the removal list for a year on top of that as he waits a final outcome.

From BBC

On top of that, there is the amount owed in outstanding transfer fees.

From BBC

“The screwdriver that was found on top of the roof. And the towel on which the firearm was found. The ravine that I walked myself, along with the rooftop. I said we cannot waste a second on this DNA analysis,” Patel breathlessly declared Monday night on Sean Hannity’s Fox News show.

From Salon

"There's so much to do that it's just so hard to stay on top of it... it's just really frustrating."

From BBC

And yes, don’t be shy about layering: a little sprinkle of grated parmesan on top of melted mozzarella or cheddar can elevate even the humblest frozen fry to dinner-party territory.

From Salon

Related Words

• astute 
• cagey 
• canny 
• crafty 
• farsighted 
• ingenious 
• judicious 
• keen 
• penetrating 
• perceptive 
• probing 
• prudent 
• sensible 
• sharp 
• slick 
• sly 
• smart 
• wily 
• wise