over the top

idiom

Originating from World War I, 'over the top' now broadly describes anything that exceeds normal expectations, often in an exaggerated or excessive manner.

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Definition

B2General

(informal)Extremely exaggerated or extravagant beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.

Example

The decorations for the party were over the top, with balloons and streamers everywhere.
His reaction to the news was a bit over the top; he started shouting and jumping around.

C1Military History

(historical)Referring to soldiers climbing out of trenches to charge into battle during World War I.

Example

During World War I, soldiers were often ordered to go over the top and charge into no man's land.

C1Media

(technical)Delivered via the Internet directly to a television or similar device.

Example

Many viewers now prefer over-the-top services like Netflix and Hulu for their streaming needs.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "over the top":

over the head on top go overboard over and above from the top on top of over the fence above oneself put over over and under over one's head head over heels above and beyond above the rim throw over above par going over double over all over brim over above the fray off the deep end heels over head above the line over the transom big top off one's head over the counter topping out out of line above board have over