Overreach Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
overreach
[หoสvษrหriหtส ]
Definitions
general use
To overreach means to go beyond the limits of one's abilities or resources. It often implies an excessive ambition or trying to achieve more than is reasonable or achievable.
Synonyms
overexert, overextend, overshoot.
Examples of usage
- He tends to overreach in his business ambitions.
- The team's strategy might overreach their actual capabilities.
- Don't overreach your authority in this matter.
politics/law
Overreach in a political or legal context refers to the act of a government or authority exceeding its limits or powers. It often suggests an abuse of authority or a failure to respect established boundaries.
Synonyms
abuse of power, excess, overextension.
Examples of usage
- The court ruled that the policy was an overreach of executive power.
- Many citizens protested against what they saw as government overreach.
- The legislation faced criticism for its overreach into private lives.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Politics
- In political contexts, leaders may be accused of overreach when they take actions that exceed their legal authority or mandate.
- Historical examples include the Watergate scandal, where the U.S. president was seen as overreaching in his attempts to maintain power.
- Overreach can sometimes lead to a backlash, where the public reacts negatively against perceived overstepping of boundaries.
Psychology
- Overreach can refer to individuals or groups attempting to achieve goals beyond their capabilities, which can lead to stress and burnout.
- Psychologists suggest that acknowledging limits is crucial for mental well-being, to avoid the pitfalls of overreaching.
- In relationships, overreach might manifest as trying to control a partner too much, leading to conflict.
Business
- In the corporate world, companies may overreach by expanding too quickly into new markets without proper research.
- Overreaching in business strategies can lead to financial losses or failure if the company cannot sustain the growth.
- Stakeholders often warn against overreach when a business attempts to diversify into unrelated fields without expertise.
Literature
- In literature, characters who overreach often face consequences as part of a cautionary tale about ambition and hubris.
- Classic plays, like 'Macbeth', illustrate how charactersโ overreach can lead to their downfall and tragic endings.
- The theme of overreach appears frequently in both classic and modern literature, highlighting the dangers of excessive ambition.
Origin of 'overreach'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'overreach' comes from the combination of 'over', meaning beyond, and 'reach', meaning to extend or stretch out.
- It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, originally used to describe someone extending their physical reach.
- Overreach has an older connection to the word 'reach', which has Old English roots related to stretching or extending.
The term 'overreach' originates from the combination of 'over' and 'reach.' The prefix 'over-' denotes excessiveness or beyond a normal limit, while 'reach' comes from Old English 'rฤซce,' meaning to extend or stretch out. The use of 'overreach' in English dates back to the late 15th century and has evolved to encompass various contexts, particularly in legal and political discourse where authority is tested. Historically, overreach has been a contentious issue in governance, with many political movements emerging in response to perceived overreach by those in power. The notion of overreach resonates across different cultures and eras, as individuals and groups continuously navigate the delicate balance between freedom and regulation.