0
Taka Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Top

He's had a few financial problems and I think things have just been getting on top of him.

I know what the underlined part means, but what does 'top' itself mean here? Why does that phrase mean 'so upset that he cannot deal with them'?
  

Top answer

things have just been getting on top of him . - - Just 'on top of', like having a heavy bear standing on your chest. Why does that phrase mean 'so upset that he cannot deal with them'?

— Mister Micawber

  • things have just been getting on top of him .
  • - - Just 'on top of', like having a heavy bear standing on your chest.
  • Why does that phrase mean 'so upset that he cannot deal with them'?
  • - I wouldn't use that phrasing.
  • I would say something like things getting on top of him = things (pressure, problems) becoming heavier and more numerous than he can deal with.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

11 Answers
0
...things have just been getting on top of him.

I know what the underlined part means, but what does 'top' itself mean here?-- Just 'on top of', like having a heavy bear standing on your chest.
Why does that phrase mean 'so upset that he cannot deal with them'?- I wouldn't use that phrasing. I would say something like things getting on top of hi
0
0
Mister Micawber ...Just 'on top of', like having a heavy bear standing on your chest.
You mean something holding a preponderant position, or things like that?
0
0
No, a heavy burden, physical or mental.
0
0
No, MM. I'm asking about your simile, 'having a heavy bear standing on your chest'.
0
0
Or is your description simply about something heavy which is on you and which is very difficult to remove from you?
0
0
having a heavy bear standing on your chest = a heavy burden, physical or mental.
0
0
Oh, so it was not your invention. I didn't know that expression.

Thanks!
0
0
Yes, it was my expression.
0
0
Then my 'preponderance' was not so far from what you imagined, I believe.

What I referred to was a psychological preponderance, so to speak.

See you again, MM!
0
0
The expression refers to wrestling, where you gain the advantage by getting on top.
0

Related Questions