over the top
Idioms-
Surpassing a goal or quota, as in The new salesmen are excellent; they were over the top within the first six months . [Mid-1900s]
-
Over the parapet of a military trench, as in The lieutenant sent fresh troops over the top . This usage dates from World War I.
-
Extreme, outrageous, as in This comedian's style goes over the top . [ Slang ; late 1900s]
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Weiss announced Thursday the appointment of a new executive producer to replace Tanya Simon, a 26-year veteran of the program who took over the top job in July.
From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026
The flysheet - that extra plastic layer that goes over the top to keep insects out - is not really necessary at a festival, so remove that to reduce heat getting trapped.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
The effort comes after US forces used unspecified "exquisite technology" to clear a pathway through the strait "over the last couple of weeks" and then "put this umbrella over the top of it," he said.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
With a high five from Jost’s Hegseth, the line landed well, cutting through the sketch’s chaos with a joke that felt both pointed and intentionally over the top — that “SNL” sweet spot.
From Salon • May 3, 2026
I stash my hidden straws inside and roll up my mattress, spreading a blanket over the top.
From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
