went overboard

USAGE SUMMARY

"went overboard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who has done something to an extreme or excessive degree. For example: "The CEO went overboard with bonuses this year and will likely have to answer to the board for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Khrushchev went overboard on rocketry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Williams himself sometimes went overboard.

The New York Times

Her husband, as usual, went overboard.

The New York Times

But they went overboard firing me".

The New York Times

"We went overboard," Dr. Sohn said.

The New York Times

People went overboard with it, but you expect the negativity".

The New York Times - Sports

The Obama administration and I.R.S. officials went overboard in apologizing.

The New York Times

(Some cable news networks went overboard even on unclassified information.

The New York Times

"Of course they went overboard," Mr. Bowring said.

The New York Times

Their oars went overboard; they nearly did, too.

The New York Times

"Last year we went overboard," Mrs. McGowan said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context to determine if "went overboard" is the most appropriate choice. Alternatives like "took it too far" or "overdid it" may be more suitable in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid using "went overboard" when a milder term is sufficient. The phrase implies a significant excess or extreme action; if the situation involves a minor misstep, a different expression would be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went overboard" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe when someone has exceeded reasonable limits or acted excessively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase. The phrase is commonly used in various contexts to express that someone has gone too far in their actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "went overboard" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe actions that exceed reasonable limits. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to express disapproval or criticism. When using "went overboard", be sure the context warrants a phrase implying excessiveness, and consider alternatives like "took it too far" or "overdid it" for nuances in meaning. Avoid overusing the phrase, and always ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing. The phrase "went overboard" can make your writing more vivid and impactful when used correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got carried away

This idiom suggests losing control of one's actions or emotions, leading to behavior that is excessive or inappropriate.

overdid it

A more casual alternative, this suggests doing something to excess, often with the implication of unintended negative results.

took it too far

This phrase directly conveys the idea of exceeding a reasonable limit, often implying negative consequences or disapproval.

went to extremes

This option emphasizes the act of acting in a manner that is far from moderate or average, implying a strong deviation from the norm.

became excessive

This focuses on the action or behavior becoming immoderate or unrestrained, highlighting the lack of control or balance.

exceeded the limit

This alternative focuses on surpassing a defined boundary or restriction, highlighting the act of going beyond what is considered acceptable or appropriate.

crossed the line

This phrase suggests violating a moral or ethical boundary, indicating behavior that is considered unacceptable or offensive.

pushed the envelope

This idiom suggests stretching the boundaries of what is considered normal or acceptable, implying a bold or daring approach that may verge on excess.

laid it on thick

This idiom is frequently used when someone exaggerates something, such as praise, flattery, or blame.

took liberties

This option implies overstepping boundaries or acting without proper authorization, especially in a way that is considered inappropriate or disrespectful.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says someone "went overboard"?

Saying someone "went overboard" means they did something to an excessive or extreme degree, often beyond what's considered reasonable or appropriate.

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

You can use "went overboard" to describe someone's actions, like: "The decorator "went overboard" with the glitter, covering every surface." Or, "The chef "went overboard" with the spices, making the dish too hot to eat."

What are some alternatives to "went overboard"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "took it too far", "overdid it", or "exceeded the limit" instead of "went overboard".

Is it better to say "went overboard" or "gone overboard"?

"Went overboard" is the past tense, used to describe something that already happened. "Gone overboard" would be used in perfect tenses (e.g., "They have gone overboard"). Both are correct, but depend on the intended meaning and context.