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

Fecht wasted little time getting the aerial game going, using a play-action pass to Riley and finding Bell over the top for the easy TD to set the tone. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Kansas linebacker Quincy Davis was isolated against Arizona State receiver Reed Harris with no safety help over the top, and Harris ran past him downfield. — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Using the color barrier in American baseball as a narrative bridge to the challenges facing a fictional English women's soccer team felt painfully forced and over-the-top. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

From Carol Burnett to Cher, Tina Turner, Lola Falana, Diana Ross and Elton John, one had to embody a particular level of confidence to saunter and shimmy across the stage and red carpet in one of his iconic, over-the-top beaded concoctions. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 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