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]
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Over the parapet of a military trench, as in The lieutenant sent fresh troops over the top . This usage dates from World War I.
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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.
What the polls generally failed to foresee—and arguably shouldn’t have been expected to, given the fluctuating field—was that just enough voters would ultimately coalesce behind Crowley to put him over the top.
From Slate ● Aug. 12, 2026
Wright, who took over the top post in May, called out “quality degradation” and an overreliance on one-off promotions.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 8, 2026
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top.
From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2026
He does not need to lift his team into the postseason, a burden often borne by marquee free agents signed to put their team over the top.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026
“Let me do it,” he said, reaching over the top of the writhing legs for the body.
From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen
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.
