over the top

1 of 2

phrase

: beyond the bounds of what is expected, usual, normal, or appropriate

over-the-top

2 of 2

adjective

ˌō-vər-ṯẖə-ˈtäp 

: extremely or excessively flamboyant or outrageous

an over-the-top performance

Examples of over the top in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

The shoes featured a wider toe strap over the vamp with slimmer straps that crisscrossed over the top of the foot and connected at the center. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top and gently press into the surface. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Adjective

The 135 rooms are equally over-the-top, with heavy brocade bedspreads, striped carpeting, floral wallpaper, and, in the bathrooms, a black-and-white honeycomb floor and banana-yellow wall tiles. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026

The film is as over-the-top and schlocky as a lucha libre match and serves as a time capsule for 1970s style. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1980, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for over the top

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop