go overboard

go overboard 

1. Fig. to fall out of a boat or off of a ship; to fall overboard. Be careful or you will go overboard. Someone went overboard in the fog.

2. Fig. to do too much; to be extravagant. Look, Sally, let's have a nice party, but don't go overboard. It doesn't need to be fancy. Okay, you can buy a big comfortable car, but don't go overboard on price.

See also: overboard

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go overboard

to do something too much, or to be too excited and eager about something (often + on ) The car's makers seem to have gone overboard on design and sacrificed speed. He went completely overboard on her birthday and bought her a diamond ring.

See also: overboard

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go overboard

to do or say too much because you are so enthusiastic I think I went overboard in decorating my house for Christmas. It's OK to discuss business during dinner, but don't go overboard and hand out documents for your guests to read while they're eating.

Related vocabulary: overdo it

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of go overboard (to fall over a ship's side)

See also: overboard