overreach

/ˈoʊvərˌriːtʃ/

verb★Intermediate💡 to extend beyond what is reasonable or appropriate

general

to extend one's power, influence, or actions beyond what is reasonable or appropriate

The politician overreached by promising too many reforms in a single term.

The politician made unrealistic promises that were impossible to fulfill.

She overreached by trying to control every aspect of the project.

She tried to manage too much, which led to inefficiencies and mistakes.

💡

Often used in political, business, or personal contexts to describe overambitious or unrealistic actions.

Collocations

overreach oneselfto attempt more than one can handleoverreach one's authorityto exceed the limits of one's power

to attempt something beyond one's capabilities

to take on more than one can handle

Use 'overreach' to describe actions that are overly ambitious or unrealistic.

'Overreach' is often used in political, business, or personal contexts to describe overambitious actions.

From Middle English 'overrechen,' meaning to calculate too much or exceed limits.

Often used to criticize actions that are seen as overly ambitious or unrealistic.

over-

excessive or beyond

prefix

reach

to extend or attempt

root

English Dictionary