over the top

Idioms  

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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Explanation

Use the adjective over-the-top to describe something that's excessive or exaggerated, like the over-the-top birthday party your uncle threw for his two year-old, complete with ponies, clowns, and a chocolate fountain. When something goes way beyond what's expected, it's over-the-top. Your sister's outfit can be described as over-the-top if she is wearing a sequinned dress, a feather boa, and a black silk top hat. The gift you give your fourth grade teacher is also over-the-top if it's two tickets to a Broadway play and a diamond ring. When something's over-the-top, it's a little outrageous.

Example Sentences

But with time on the ball, PSG began to play over the top, taking advantage of the spaces behind Konate, forcing 34-year-old Virgil van Dijk across from the centre.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

“That’s the sort of thing that I love to watch and . . . it sounds so over the top, but it kind of fills my heart.”

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Instead, the Lakers superstar pulled up straight over the top of Bryant’s outstretched arm, dropping a fadeaway jumper softly through the net.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The humor was over the top; the impact wasn’t.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Then he stood it up, put a little roof over the top, and cut a little door on one side near the bottom.

From "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Related Words

• exaggerated
• outrageous