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over the top

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1

Surpassing a goal or quota, as in The new salesmen are excellent; they were over the top within the first six months. [Mid-1900s]

2

Over the parapet of a military trench, as in The lieutenant sent fresh troops over the top. This usage dates from World War I.

3

Extreme, outrageous, as in This comedian's style goes over the top. [Slang; late 1900s]

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

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