to get on top of something

Definition & Meaning of "get on top of something "in English

to get on top of something
01

to be able to handle and manage a situation or thing successfully

to [get] on top of {sth} definition and meaning
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

What is the origin of the idiom "get on top of" and when to use it?

The idiom "get on top of" likely emerged from the literal concept of physically being on top of something, which symbolizes being in a position of control or authority. It is commonly employed in professional settings, such as in the workplace or business environments, to indicate taking proactive measures to handle tasks, projects, or challenges promptly.

example
Examples
She is getting on top of her workload by setting priorities and staying organized.
They get on top of their finances by creating a budget and tracking their expenses.
to get on top of somebody
to get on top of somebody
01

(of a difficult or challenging situation) to overwhelm someone and cause them stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions

to [get] on top of {sb} definition and meaning
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

What is the origin of the idiom "get on top of somebody" and when to use it?

The idiom "get on top of somebody" likely has its origins in the image of a person being buried or trapped under a heavy weight, and struggling to get out from underneath it. The idiom is typically used in informal or casual language, particularly in spoken English, to describe situations where a person is struggling to cope with a problem or challenge and feels overwhelmed by it.

example
Examples
The amount of work we have to do this week is getting on top of me. I feel like I'm drowning in tasks and do n't know where to start.
The constant demands and deadlines at work are really getting on top of her. She feels like she can never catch a break and it's starting to affect her mental health.
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