Search
to go overboard
01
to be extreme or excessive in one's doings
![to [go] overboard definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/43949/original/?type=jpeg "to [go] overboard definition and meaning")
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "go overboard" and when to use it?
The idiom "go overboard" is believed to originate from nautical terminology, where "overboard" refers to going over the side of a ship and into the water. Going overboard in this context would be an undesirable and potentially dangerous situation. In common usage, it can refer to spending too much money, showing excessive enthusiasm, or taking actions to an extreme degree. This idiom is widely used in both spoken and written English.
Example
She went overboard with the decorations for the party, turning her house into a fairy tale castle.
The manager went overboard in praising the team's efforts, making everyone feel appreciated.
He tends to go overboard when it comes to cleaning, spending hours scrubbing every corner of the house.
02
from on board a vessel into the water
