Talk:over the top

Rapid evolution of meaning
The adverb meaning was clearly first. The worshipful attitude on the home front converted going over the top to bravery. Any act of courage (even the petty courage of going on stage) came to use the same language, metaphorically. Pubescent bold behavior came to be thought of as over the top. Only the most outrageous behavior came to really show any sort of courage in flaunting convention. Finally the association with bravery was almost completely lost. All of this from 1916 or so to 1968 or so, when those who had been 16 in 1916 and survived the Great War were 68. DCDuring TALK 05:03, 2 June 2009 (UTC)

Poker
Over the top means to raise, at least in Texas hold 'em (and probably in other variants of poker). SwampyQ2 03:52, 4 January 2011 (UTC)