To go overboard
Meaning
To do or say something to an excessive or extreme degree, often beyond what is reasonable or necessary.
Origin
The phrase "to go overboard" sails directly from the rough and tumble world of maritime life. Literally, it described a person or object falling over the side of a ship and into the water. This was often an undesirable or dangerous event, signifying an accidental departure from safety or expected limits. By the 19th century, this vivid image of exceeding boundaries or falling into an extreme situation began to be used metaphorically. Just as a sailor falling overboard goes beyond the safety of the vessel, someone who "goes overboard" with an action or emotion exceeds reasonable limits, pushing themselves or a situation into an immoderate state.
Examples
- She tends to go overboard with decorations during the holidays, filling every room with lights and ornaments.
- While his enthusiasm was admirable, the speaker seemed to go overboard with statistics, overwhelming the audience.