“Mama, get the hammer. There’s a fly on Grandpa’s head.” When I read that quote, shared by Tillie Cowherd, I laughed out loud. How perfectly it describes when we go overboard.

We may not realize how easily we go overboard until:

• We pay special attention to our actions
• Another person mentions our behavior to us

To go overboard on a boat or ship means to jump or fall into the water.

That may be okay if we:

• Can swim
• Land in safe water.

However, we risk our lives if we:

• Cannot swim
• Enter dangerous water

 Figuratively, to go overboard means to go to extremes.

We fail to think before we act. Our enthusiasm exceeds our good sense. Therefore, we:

• Act highfalutin
• Spend more money than we can repay
• Tackle more responsibilities than we can complete

We go too far, and we usually suffer.

Enthusiasm can be good.

It helps us:

• Work hard
• Go the second mile
• Complete what we begin

However, we don’t want to get in over our heads.

Better to use wisdom than to suffer from extreme behavior.

Don’t kill a fly with a hammer … especially if the fly lands on grandpa’s head.

“Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes” (Ecclesiastes 7:18 NIV).

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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