Over the top
adjective
More than necessary, excessive or exaggerated.
Your reaction to the small mistake is over the top
Often appears as...
- go over the top
- a bit over the top
adverb
Doing something in an extremely enthusiastic or determined way.
He went over the top with the decorations for the party
Often appears as...
- go over the top
- over the top in
Usage tips
Colloquial
adjective
More dramatic or extravagant than is appropriate or needed.
His acting was a bit over the top
Often appears as...
- over the top performance
- over the top personality
adjective
More than necessary, excessive or exaggerated.
Your reaction to the small mistake is over the top
Often appears as...
- go over the top
- a bit over the top
adverb
Doing something in an extremely enthusiastic or determined way.
He went over the top with the decorations for the party
Often appears as...
- go over the top
- over the top in
Usage tips
Colloquial
adjective
More dramatic or extravagant than is appropriate or needed.
His acting was a bit over the top
Often appears as...
- over the top performance
- over the top personality
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Excess Emotion
Used when someone shows more feeling than a situation requires, often signaling disapproval.
Crying over a minor scuff on your car is over the top.
Pro Tip 2/2Avoid in Formality
Not suitable for formal writing or speeches; best for casual conversations or descriptions.
Adding 'over the top' in your essay on molecular biology might sound odd.
Pro Tip 1/2Excess Emotion
Used when someone shows more feeling than a situation requires, often signaling disapproval.
Crying over a minor scuff on your car is over the top.
Pro Tip 2/2Avoid in Formality
Not suitable for formal writing or speeches; best for casual conversations or descriptions.
Adding 'over the top' in your essay on molecular biology might sound odd.
Pro Tip 1/2Excess Emotion
Used when someone shows more feeling than a situation requires, often signaling disapproval.
Crying over a minor scuff on your car is over the top.
Pro Tip 2/2Avoid in Formality
Not suitable for formal writing or speeches; best for casual conversations or descriptions.
Adding 'over the top' in your essay on molecular biology might sound odd.
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