Get on top of somebody
verb
To take control or manage someone or something that is difficult to handle.
He needs to get on top of his homework before it gets too much.
Often appears as...
- get on top of workload
- get on top of tasks
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To have a physical dominance over someone in a battle or a game.
In the final round of the wrestling match, John managed to get on top of his opponent.
Often appears as...
- get on top of opponent
- get on top in fight
Usage tips
Approving
Colloquial
verb
To overcome or get the better of someone.
She studied all night to get on top of the materials for the exam.
Often appears as...
- get on top of the situation
- get on top of problems
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To take control or manage someone or something that is difficult to handle.
He needs to get on top of his homework before it gets too much.
Often appears as...
- get on top of workload
- get on top of tasks
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To have a physical dominance over someone in a battle or a game.
In the final round of the wrestling match, John managed to get on top of his opponent.
Often appears as...
- get on top of opponent
- get on top in fight
Usage tips
Approving
Colloquial
verb
To overcome or get the better of someone.
She studied all night to get on top of the materials for the exam.
Often appears as...
- get on top of the situation
- get on top of problems
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Challenge Mastery
Used when emphasizing the successful management of something difficult.
She really needs to get on top of her finances to avoid debt.
Pro Tip 2/3Stress & Responsibility
Implies that someone is overwhelmed and must regain control.
After the holidays, I have to get on top of my diet again.
Pro Tip 3/3Proactiveness Implied
Suggests taking initiative to deal with something before it becomes unmanageable.
You should get on top of your project now, rather than waiting.
Pro Tip 1/3Challenge Mastery
Used when emphasizing the successful management of something difficult.
She really needs to get on top of her finances to avoid debt.
Pro Tip 2/3Stress & Responsibility
Implies that someone is overwhelmed and must regain control.
After the holidays, I have to get on top of my diet again.
Pro Tip 3/3Proactiveness Implied
Suggests taking initiative to deal with something before it becomes unmanageable.
You should get on top of your project now, rather than waiting.
Pro Tip 1/3Challenge Mastery
Used when emphasizing the successful management of something difficult.
She really needs to get on top of her finances to avoid debt.
Pro Tip 2/3Stress & Responsibility
Implies that someone is overwhelmed and must regain control.
After the holidays, I have to get on top of my diet again.
Pro Tip 3/3Proactiveness Implied
Suggests taking initiative to deal with something before it becomes unmanageable.
You should get on top of your project now, rather than waiting.
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