coming on too strong

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   behaving in a way that is too forceful, intense, or eager, so that other people feel uncomfortable or pressured.

   Grammar: Used as a complement after 'be' or as a noun-like phrase after prepositions: 'He is coming on too strong.' / 'She worried about coming on too strong.'

   Patterns

   • be coming on too strong
   • worry about coming on too strong
   • stop coming on too strong

   At the party, he kept asking for her number, and she felt he was coming on too strong.

   If you want to make a good impression in the interview, don't come on too strong with your opinions.

   She worried about coming on too strong in her first email to the professor.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseinformal

   pushing an idea, request, or sales pitch with more energy or pressure than is appropriate for the situation.

   Grammar: Often used after 'be' or 'seem' to describe a person's approach: 'The salesperson seemed to be coming on too strong.'

   Patterns

   • seem to be coming on too strong
   • come on too strong with something

   The salesman was coming on too strong, so we left the store.

   When you ask your boss for a raise, don't come on too strong or you might seem demanding.

   His campaign ads were coming on too strong, and many voters found them off-putting.

Common combinations

come on too strong

He didn't want to come on too strong on the first date.

be coming on too strong

She thought the interviewer was coming on too strong with personal questions.

worry about coming on too strong

New managers often worry about coming on too strong with their teams.

stop coming on too strong

If you stop coming on too strong, people will listen to you more.

Synonyms and how they differ

overbearing

Describes a person or manner that is too controlling or forceful; 'coming on too strong' focuses more on a specific behavior that feels too intense.

pushy

Means trying too hard to get what you want; 'coming on too strong' can also be about romantic or social interest, not just getting something.

intense

Can describe a strong personality or style; 'coming on too strong' suggests that the intensity is making others uncomfortable right now.

Opposites

Commonly confused: coming on too strong or coming on?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “coming on too strong”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words