From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishon top of somethingon top of somethinga) on the highest surface of something There should be an envelope on top of the fridge. b) in complete control of a situation Don’t worry; I’m back on top of things now. I should be more on top of my work next week. c) if something bad happens to you on top of something else, it happens when you have other problems On top of everything else, I now have to go to work next Saturday! → topExamples from the Corpuson top of something• The weight of the air on top of the paper held it down with so much pressure that the stick broke.• The charge came on top of $ 200 million the firm already set aside in July.• They laid the mattress over her, then piled pillows and coats on top of that.• Then spread the cream cheese-nut filling on top of the honey-butter.• Then they were lying against each other, on top of each other, inside each other.• Human beings are the same: they're piled on top of one another.• Dry-fry the bacon, onion and mushrooms, then place on top of the cauliflower.
See synonyms for on top of on Thesaurus.com In control of, fully informed about, as in The weeds were terrible, but the new gardener was soon on top of them, or Our senator always manages to be on top of the issues. In addition to, following closely on, as in Several other benefits are being offered on top of a better salary, or On top of the flu Jane caught her sister's measles. [c. 1600] Also, on top of one another. Very close to, crowded, as in I didn't see her until she was right on top of us, or In these condominiums people are living right on top of one another. [Mid-1900s]
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ontological argument, ontologism, ontologize, ontology, on top, on top of, “On Top of Old Smoky”, on top of the world, on-trend, on trial, Onuf's nucleus
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
abreast, knowledgeable, learned, astute, cagey, canny, crafty, farsighted, ingenious, judicious, keen, penetrating, perceptive, probing, prudent, sensible, sharp, slick, sly, smart
You just travel light with carry-on luggage, go to cities that you love, and get to hang out with all your friends.
He came to the top of the stairs with a lamp in his hand, and wanted to know what the rumpus was about.
The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden
The offspring of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches, and make a noise as unclean roots upon the top of a rock.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
The jagged top and spurs of San Jacinto Mountain shone like the turrets and posterns of a citadel built of rubies.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
The way was under a double row of tall trees, which met at the top and formed a green arch over our heads.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
In fact, his appearance was so formidable that Davy did not pause for a second look, but started off at the top of his speed.
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl
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1. In complete control or with complete awareness of someone or something, often due to being diligent, fully informed, and/or up-to-date. A: "How is the new project going?" B: "Right on track! Jen was on top of it while you were on vacation." I don't know how you keep on top of all the different student issues that are brought to your attention. How Janet manages to stay on top of all eight of those kids is really beyond me. 2. In addition to something. On top of losing my favorite present, the pool where I was having my party had to close down for the day. Worst birthday ever! 3. In very close proximity to someone or something. I thought I had a great spot right up front for the concert, but I had so many people right on top of me that I ended up not enjoying it at all. Zoning laws usually prohibit new developments from being built right on top of existing ones. Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved. COMMON If you are on top of a task or situation, you are dealing with it successfully. That's the job. You've got to be on top of the problems. The government does not seem able to get on top of the situation. Note: If you are beginning to deal with a task or situation successfully, you can say that you are getting on top of it. We are getting on top of crime but there is much more to be done. See also: of, on, something, top Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012 See also: of, on, somebody, something, top Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
1 in addition to something; also: On top of his salary, he gets about €150 in commission every week.
2 too close to something/somebody: These houses are all built on top of one another. ♢ He was right on top of (= driving very close behind) the car in front.
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