WordGarden.iooverboard
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌəʊvəbˈɔːd/
US
- /ˈoʊvərˌbɔrd/
Meanings
Adverb
off or out of a ship or boat into the water
to an excessive or extreme degree
Adjective
too extreme or excessive
Beyond the definition
"Overboard!" is the urgent cry you'll hear on a ship when someone (or something!) falls into the sea. But in everyday conversation, "overboard" isn't just about splashing into the waves. It describes behavior that has gone past what is reasonable: too much or without enough control. Think of a parent going overboard with birthday decorations, or a politician making promises that go too far.
Originally, the term literally meant "over the board," referring to the side planks of a ship. Today, when we say someone has "gone overboard," it suggests a lack of moderation. A dramatic reaction? Overboard. An overly enthusiastic compliment? Definitely overboard. Just remember to stay "on board" with your good judgment so you don't lose your balance!
The word "overboard" carries two distinct meanings, both rooted in its nautical origins. Literally, it describes the act of falling, being thrown, or discarded over the side of a vessel into the water. This is the source of the famous distress signal "Man overboard!"—a call for immediate rescue when someone has left the safety of the deck.
Metaphorically, "overboard" functions as an adverb or adjective meaning excessively, dramatically, or in an unrestrained manner. It is most commonly paired with the verb "to go," as in "to go overboard." This implies that someone has crossed a boundary of what is considered reasonable, necessary, or in good taste. For example, "His reaction was completely overboard" suggests his response was far more intense than the situation required. Similarly, you might go overboard on a shopping spree, buying far more than you intended.
Think of it this way: just as a sailor falling over the side of a ship leaves the solid ground of the deck, someone who goes "overboard" leaves the solid ground of common sense. It implies an excess that can be humorous, shocking, or simply inappropriate. Whether you are picturing a physical splash in the ocean or a metaphorical lapse in restraint, "overboard" signals that a boundary has been crossed.
Examples
- 1
Boat accident
The sailor slipped and fell overboard during the storm.
- 2
Emergency warning
Someone shouted, "Man overboard!" and the boat turned back.
- PhraseMan overboard!
a warning that someone has fallen from a boat
- 3
Too much
I like a little spice, but don't go overboard with the chili.
- Patterngo overboard with + thing/activity
use or do too much of it
- 4
Overspending
She went overboard on gifts and spent more than she planned.
- Patterngo overboard on + thing/activity
spend or do more than is sensible
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Visual design
The designer kept the page simple instead of going overboard with colors and animations.
- 6
Hasty rejection
After one bad review, don't throw the whole idea overboard.
- Phrasethrow something overboard
get rid of it completely, often too quickly
See also
Similar
- excessively
- too far
- over the top
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- go overboard
- went overboard
- overboard with
- a little overboard
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- overboardadverb