filled to overflowing — completely full with contents spilling over the edges
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: completely full with contents spilling over the edges
Pronunciation (IPA): /fɪld tu ˈoʊvərfloʊɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- My inbox is filled to overflowing with spam emails from Nigerian princes offering me millions.
- The library was filled to overflowing with students cramming for finals.
- His pockets were filled to overflowing with candy after trick-or-treating.
filled to overflowing
ADJECTIVE[/fɪld tu ˈoʊvərfloʊɪŋ/]
completely full with contents spilling over the edges
completely full with contents spilling over the edges
Filled to overflowing, the fountain keeps flowing and glowing!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines Middle English 'fillen' (to fill) with Old English 'ofer' (over) and 'flowan' (to flow), creating an expression that emerged in medieval times to describe a container or space so completely full that its contents overflow beyond capacity.
Breakdown
fill (to make full) + to (preposition indicating direction/extent) + over (above, beyond limits) + flowing (present participle of flow, to move as liquid). The compound conveys the sense of a vessel or space so abundantly filled that contents spill over its boundaries.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My inbox is filled to overflowing with spam emails from Nigerian princes offering me millions.”
“The library was filled to overflowing with students cramming for finals.”
“His pockets were filled to overflowing with candy after trick-or-treating.”
“The garbage bin was filled to overflowing, and raccoons were having a field day.”
📚Related Words
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