on top
The phrase "on top" can describe physical positioning as well as figurative dominance or control in various contexts.
Definition
A2General
(common)Located at the highest point or surface of something.
Example
- The book is on top of the shelf.
- She placed the cherry on top of the ice cream.
B2Figurative
(idiomatic)In a dominant or leading position.
Example
- She came out on top in every race.
- The team was on top after the first half.
B2Situational
(idiomatic)In control or managing a situation effectively.
Example
- You really have to stay on top of things.
- He is always on top of his work.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on top":
on top offrom the topup topup abovefrom top to bottomover the toppower toptop tiertop edgeon highup thereon the tablehigh uphot topon the upabove the foldon one's headabove parfrom on highon the levelon thetop lineon the outsidetopping outnumber oneabove the lineon totop outon the deckon sidetop shelfon the edgeone upbe onsoft topin fronton the groundabove the frayover the headbig toptop lighton the flathot ontop dogat the helmon point