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

See Examples For:

over the top

Discussions have involved Waldron, who is also the bank’s president, taking over the top job around the end of 2027 or in 2028, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

His signature calls — “toooo many steps,” “Kobeee Bryant,” “Lllaker Girlsss” — were not boastful or over the top.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026

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

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top.

From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2026

As we bumped over the top, the smell hit me hard, like a wildly thrown pitch.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

Related Words

• exaggerated
• outrageous