at the top of one’s voice: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘at the top of one's voice’ mean?
"At the top of one's voice" means to speak or shout very loudly and with a lot of energy.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "raise one's voice" means to speak louder or shout in order to be heard or make one's point more emphatically.
The idiom "find one's voice" means to discover and express one's unique thoughts, ideas, or opinions, often after a period of uncertainty or hesitation.
The idiom "eat the mic" is an expression often used in the context of public speaking or performing. It means to speak or sing directly into the microphone with great enthusiasm or intensity, often resulting in a distorted or overpowering sound. The phrase suggests a lack of subtlety or control in delivery.
The idiom "drown out" means to overpower or overshadow something, making it difficult or impossible to hear or notice. It is often used to describe a situation where one sound or voice is so loud that it drowns out all other sounds or voices.
The idiom "do the talking" means to express oneself or convey a message primarily through actions or behavior instead of words.
An idiom meaning to outdo or surpass someone's accomplishment or action.
The idiom "do one's utmost" means to put in maximum effort or do everything possible to achieve a goal.
"Do one's own thing" means to pursue one's own interests or activities without concern for others' opinions or conforming to societal norms.
The idiom "cut above" means to be of superior quality or ability compared to others in the same category or group.
The idiom "crank up" means to increase the intensity, volume, or speed of something, typically referring to machinery or activities. It suggests to make something more powerful, active, or energetic.
Deafening Vocal Resonance
The idiom "at the top of one's voice" is a common expression used to describe speaking or shouting loudly with a sense of urgency, intensity, or strong emotion. Its origins can be traced back to the late 18th century, suggesting that it has been in use for several centuries.
When someone is said to be speaking "at the top of their voice," it means that they are speaking at their loudest volume or with maximum intensity. This expression indicates a lack of restraint or inhibition in vocal expression, often driven by emotions such as anger, excitement, or urgency.
This idiom is frequently used in everyday conversations, storytelling, literature, and even in media and entertainment. It offers a concise and vivid way for speakers to convey the intensity, emotion, or urgency behind their words. By using this expression, individuals can effectively capture the attention of their listeners and convey the power and emotions that accompany their message.
It is worth noting that the idiom "at the top of one's voice" is not the only expression related to vocal intensity. There are other idioms such as "raise one's voice" and "blare out" that convey similar meanings and are used in various contexts.
"Raise one's voice" is another idiom used to describe speaking or shouting loudly. Similar to "at the top of one's voice," it indicates an increase in vocal volume or intensity. However, unlike the former idiom, "raise one's voice" does not necessarily imply the maximum level of volume. It can be used to describe a moderate increase in volume to emphasize a point or express frustration.
"Blare out" is yet another idiom related to vocal intensity. It specifically refers to loud, harsh, or piercing sounds. While "at the top of one's voice" and "raise one's voice" generally apply to human vocalization, "blare out" can describe any loud noise, such as music blaring from speakers or a siren blaring in the distance.
These idioms all revolve around the concept of vocal intensity, but they differ in their specific connotations and usage. "At the top of one's voice" emphasizes the highest level of vocal volume or intensity, "raise one's voice" suggests a moderate increase in volume, and "blare out" refers to a loud and often harsh sound.
The idiom "at the top of one's voice" is a widely used expression that describes speaking or shouting loudly with a sense of urgency, intensity, or strong emotion. Its origins can be traced back several centuries, and it continues to be employed in various contexts. The related idioms "raise one's voice" and "blare out" convey similar meanings and are used to describe different levels of vocal intensity. These expressions all contribute to our ability to effectively communicate our emotions and capture the attention of others through our words and vocalization.
Example usage
1. She screamed at the top of her voice when she saw a spider crawling up her arm.
2. The children were singing at the top of their voices during the school concert.
3. The crowd cheered at the top of their voices as their team scored the winning goal.
More "Volume" idioms
