spill over

British  

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to overflow or be forced out of an area, container, etc

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noun

1. the act of spilling over

2. the excess part of something

3. economics any indirect effect of public expenditure

4. astronomy the part of the noise associated with a radio telescope using a dish antenna caused by pick-up by a secondary antenna from directions that do not intercept the dish

Example Sentences

She said organizations like hers — which use diplomacy to quash street beefs before they spill over into bloodshed — have also become lifelines for certain neighborhoods by providing diapers, formula, and other essential supplies.

From Los Angeles Times

The debate has spilled over into the halls of the Nebraska capitol in Lincoln where lawmakers are considering changes, like lowering annual fees feedlots pay to the committee.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I think ‘Wuthering Heights’ will be our litmus test to see if method dressing will spill over into historically inspired garments,” says Bretaña.

From Los Angeles Times

When the floods spill over Botswana’s Okavango Delta every year, fat antelopes congregate in lush grazing grounds and big predators treat the islands like snack bars.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nurse says that households generate around a third more waste during the festive period which can often means bins spill over.

From BBC

Related Words

• brim
• bubble over
• cascade
• deluge
• drain
• drown
• engulf
• gush
• inundate
• leak
• overrun
• pour
• run over
• soak
• spill
• submerge
• swamp