Overboard

Overboard describes someone or something that has fallen or been thrown from a ship or boat into the water. It can also be used figuratively to describe behavior that is excessive, extravagant, or goes beyond acceptable limits. This can involve taking a risk, being overly enthusiastic, or expressing feelings too strongly. The term implies a crossing of a boundary, a loss of control, or a shift from a manageable situation to a potentially dangerous or extreme one. It highlights a departure from safety, moderation, or social norms, whether physically or metaphorically.

Overboard meaning with examples

• During the storm, the sailor tragically went overboard when a rogue wave crashed across the deck. The crew quickly initiated a search and rescue operation. The fear of a person going overboard kept every sailor in alert mode, especially at night. Luckily the storm subsided before the search proved futile. The loss highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sea.
• The comedian's jokes went overboard with the audience, they crossed the line with too many offensive remarks. While some found them funny, others were deeply offended by the inappropriate material. The show's ratings plummeted, as a result. Consequently, the comedian had to rethink his comedic approach for future performances to avoid repeating past mistakes. The network received many complaints.
• Sarah went overboard planning the wedding, choosing elaborate decorations and an extravagant menu. She exhausted her budget and started accumulating debt in order to impress her guests. Consequently, she stressed herself to the point of exhaustion, which caused serious anxiety. Even some guests noted the overwhelming degree of opulence as the wedding approached.
• Driven by her passion, the new employee went overboard with her enthusiasm, offering to take on every project, which she could barely manage. She quickly became overwhelmed and missed several deadlines. Her colleagues tried to help, but she was too stretched. Eventually, her performance suffered and she became demotivated. The team had to step in.
• After the company's success, management went overboard celebrating with expensive perks and bonuses. This caused resentment among the other employees who were not included, and eventually, it affected team morale. The extravagant spending drew scrutiny from investors, making the company seem less fiscally responsible. The company's reputation was damaged.