overreach
UK: ˌəʊvəˈriːtʃ | US: ˌoʊvərˈriːtʃ
vt. 1. To stretch or extend beyond a proper limit.
vt. 2. To defeat (oneself) by excessive ambition or overconfidence.
vi. 1. To reach too far or attempt too much.
overreach = over<excessive> + reach<extend>
- over: From Old English ofer, meaning "above, beyond, excessively."
- reach: From Old English rǣcan, meaning "to extend, stretch out."
Etymology Origin:
The word overreach combines over (indicating excess) and reach (to extend), originally describing a physical overextension (e.g., a horse stumbling by stretching its legs too far). By the 16th century, it evolved metaphorically to describe ambitious overextension in actions or goals, often leading to failure.
The company's aggressive expansion caused it to overreach and face financial losses.
Politicians often overreach when they ignore public opinion.
Be careful not to overreach your authority in this negotiation.
The athlete overreached during training and injured his shoulder.
Her ambition led her to overreach, and she missed the deadline.