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over the top
01
in a manner that is too extreme or exaggerated
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "over the top" and when to use it?
The idiom "over the top" is thought to originate from military slang, referring to soldiers who went over the parapet or trench in a reckless or overly aggressive manner during World War I. In contemporary usage, it can refer to anything that is excessively dramatic, extravagant, or exaggerated, whether in a positive or negative context. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English to describe something that is excessive, extravagant, or exaggerated to the point of being extreme or unreasonable.
over the top
adv
Example
The decorations at the wedding were way over the top, with chandeliers and a live orchestra.
She went over the top with her Halloween costume, spending hours on elaborate makeup and props.
Their marketing campaign was a success because it was bold and attention-grabbing without going over the top.
The movie's special effects were so over the top that it felt like a sensory overload.
The midfielder delivered a long ball over the top.
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