# go overboard

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/go-overboard
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To go too far; to exceed reasonable bounds.

## Examples

- Don't go overboard with the decorations for the party.
- He wanted to impress his guests, so he went overboard and prepared a ten-course meal.
- While the intention was to create a welcoming atmosphere, the organizers went overboard with the budget, leaving little for the actual event.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.