on top of
The phrase "on top of" can indicate physical position, addition, control, or immediacy, and is commonly used in both literal and idiomatic contexts.
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Definition
A2General
(common)Physically situated above or on the surface of something.
Example
- She placed the book on top of the table.
- The cat is sitting on top of the car.
B1General
(common)In addition to something else.
Example
- On top of his regular job, he volunteers at the local shelter.
- She had to pay extra fees on top of the regular tuition.
B2General
(idiomatic)Fully informed about and in control of something.
Example
- She is always on top of her work assignments.
- You need to stay on top of your finances.
B2General
(common)Following immediately after.
Example
- The storm came on top of the heatwave.
- Bad news seemed to come one on top of another.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on top of":
on topfrom the topover and aboveup topover the topup aboveon toon the back ofon theon one's headahead ofabove parhigh upon the levelfrom on highfrom top to bottom