Definition of the word brim over

The phrase "brim over" originally derived from the Old English word "brimm" meaning the edge or rim of a vessel. In Middle English, "brimm" transformed into "brimme" and eventually "brim," which became the standard spelling in Modern English. The expression "brim over" was formed by combining the words "brim" and "over," which convey the literal meaning of an object overflowing from the brim of its container. The phrase first appeared in English literature in the 14th century, where it was used to describe a cup or tankard brimming with liquid. Over time, the phrase "brim over" has evolved to symbolize something exceeding its limits, extending beyond the norm or capacity, or reaching a point of saturation. It can be used in both literal and figurative senses, such as a lecture hall brimming with students or an idea brimming over with potential. The repetition of the "br" sound in "brim over" helps add to the phrase's resonance, while the use of the verb "over" suggests that the object is spilling beyond the capacity of the container. The phrase is still a commonly used idiom today, demonstrating the enduring significance of this Old English contribution to the English language.