ENGLISH
REFERENCE

overhang

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈoʊvɝˌhæŋ// over·hang

n. a part of a building that sticks out over the ground or another part of the structure. It can also mean a situation where there is more of something than you need, like too much debt.

n. a projecting part of a building or structure; in a financial context, an excess of a particular asset or liability that remains after a period of time. Often used to describe the structural projection of a roof or the residual debt following a loan period.


SIMPLE

The roof has a wide overhang to protect the front door from rain.

CONTEXTUAL

The architect designed a deep overhang to provide shade for the windows during the hottest part of the day.

COMPLEX

While the physical overhang of the eaves provided necessary protection from the elements, the financial overhang of the previous decade's deficits continued to stifle the government's ability to invest in new infrastructure.

Synonyms
Origin

From Old English oferhangan, corresponding to over- + hang.

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