The phrase "brim over" means to overflow or exceed normal limits. Its pronunciation is /brɪm ˈoʊvər/, with the emphasis on the first syllable of "brim". The word "brim" is spelled with an "i" and "m", representing the short "i" sound (IPA symbol /ɪ/) and the sound of the letter "m" (IPA symbol /m/). "Over" is spelled with an "o", representing the long "o" sound (IPA symbol /oʊ/), a "v" sound (IPA symbol /v/), and a soft "r" (IPA symbol /ər/).
The term "brim over" is a phrasal verb that conveys the idea of reaching or exceeding the maximum capacity of a container or a person's emotions or feelings. It is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where something is so full or abundant that it cannot hold any more.
When referring to a container, "brim over" describes the action of liquids or substances overflowing or spilling out from the top, indicating that the container is completely filled to its capacity. This phrase suggests that whatever is in the container has gone beyond what it was designed to hold, implying an overwhelming or excessive quantity.
In the context of emotions or feelings, "brim over" refers to when someone becomes overwhelmed or unable to control their emotions, often resulting in an outburst of intense or extreme feelings. It conveys a sense of overflowing emotions that are no longer contained or restrained.
The phrase "brim over" typically implies a state of excess, abundance, or saturation, signifying that a limit has been surpassed. It can be used to describe various situations, such as a cup filled with water overflowing, a person's uncontainable excitement or anger, or even an event or circumstance that surpasses expectations or predictions.
In summary, "brim over" is a phrasal verb used to depict overflow, spillover, or exceeding the limits, whether it is in relation to physical containers or the emotional state of an individual.
The phrase "brim over" dates back to the 15th century and is derived from the Middle English word "brim" meaning "edge" or "border". It originally referred to a container being so full that the liquid spilled over the brim. The word "over" simply adds emphasis to the overflowing action. Over time, "brim over" has come to be used metaphorically to describe emotions or actions that are so intense that they cannot be contained or controlled, akin to a full container overflowing.