going overboard

USAGE SUMMARY

"going overboard" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is behaving or reacting in an excessive or extreme manner. Example: "John's reaction to the news was completely going overboard. He started yelling and slamming things, causing a scene in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Am I going overboard?

The New York Times

"Does the president risk going overboard?

The New York Times

"No going overboard buying gifts," I said.

The New York Times

Perhaps we're going overboard in discussing the Mediterranean diet.

Harvard University

Think I'm going overboard about the potential consequences?

The Guardian - Sport

Republican strategists suggested Romney celebrate without going overboard.

The Guardian

Mr. Williamson could hardly be blamed for going overboard.

The New York Times - Arts

Political correctness is going overboard in this case.

The New York Times

The students warned against going overboard with color and pattern.

The New York Times

"It's not like we are going overboard here".

The New York Times

"We're not going overboard, but it hasn't stopped us".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going overboard" to describe situations where someone is excessively enthusiastic, dramatic, or extreme in their actions or reactions. It's suitable when you want to convey that someone's behavior is beyond what's necessary or appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "going overboard" in literal situations involving physical objects falling off a boat or ship. While technically accurate, the phrase is almost exclusively used figuratively to describe excessive behavior or actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going overboard" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used in continuous tenses (e.g., "is going overboard", "was going overboard") to describe an action that is excessive or immoderate. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going overboard" is a common and versatile expression used to describe actions or behaviors that are excessive or immoderate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely understood. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, the phrase serves to critique or caution against exceeding reasonable limits. While the phrase maintains a neutral to informal register, it's important to avoid literal interpretations related to physical objects falling off boats. Alternatives like "taking it too far" or "overdoing it" can be used for slight variations in emphasis. Mastering the use of "going overboard" involves understanding its figurative nature and applying it appropriately to convey concerns about excessiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going too far

Similar to "taking it too far", this phrase emphasizes exceeding acceptable limits.

overdoing it

Emphasizes the act of doing something to an excessive degree.

taking it too far

Highlights the act of pushing an action or behavior beyond what is acceptable or reasonable.

carrying it too far

Suggests that something has been continued to an unreasonable extent.

becoming excessive

Focuses on the state of being beyond what is normal, acceptable, or necessary.

getting out of hand

Suggests that a situation or behavior is becoming unmanageable or uncontrollable.

exceeding the limit

Focuses on surpassing a defined or understood boundary.

crossing the line

Implies violating a moral or ethical boundary.

pushing the envelope

Implies stretching boundaries, often in an innovative or risky way.

losing all restraint

Indicates a lack of control or moderation in one's actions.

FAQs

What does "going overboard" mean?

The phrase "going overboard" means to do, say, or feel something to an excessive degree; to be extravagant or immoderate. It generally implies exceeding reasonable or acceptable limits.

How can I use "going overboard" in a sentence?

You can use "going overboard" to describe someone's excessive reaction to something: "I think you're "going overboard" with the party decorations; it's just a small gathering."

What can I say instead of "going overboard"?

You can use alternatives like "taking it too far", "overdoing it", or "exceeding the limit" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "going overboard"?

It's appropriate to use "going overboard" when you want to express that someone's actions, feelings, or speech are excessive, immoderate, or beyond what is necessary in a given situation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.