On top of a lot…

To be a successful global CEO, you have to be on top of a lot of things

To improve English speaking skills, one should develop a reading habit, do spoken English practice and listen to TV news everyday for at least half an hour. On top of it, watching Hollywood movies could be helpful as well.

On top of it – now, this can be used in either of the two ways.

You could either say, “I am on top of the new product launch plan” meaning you have the new product launch plan totally under control, everything is going as per schedule. It’s like the new product launch plan was some kind of a horse and you are sitting on top of it – or you have it well reined in and controlled. All well, things going smoothly.

It can also mean in addition to. For example, “They fed me puri, sabzi, halwa and laddoos. On top of that, they also fed me half a kg kaju barfi”.

Let’s take some examples:

1. Ask Sudhir. He is on top of the plans to setup the new office.
2. It’s a complex issue. You really need to juggle a lot of things to stay on top of it. I am sure though, that you will do well.
3. Our very competent officer Inspector Sartaj Singh is on top of the investigations. He will brief the media about the progress and current status.

Also, some examples of the other usage:

1. You called me a liar, an idiot and a lazy bum. On top of it, you called me a stinking rat.
2. The thieves took away the fridge, TV, computer and jewellery. On top of it, they also carried away my old clothes.

On top of it could either mean being in control or in addition to. Let’s close with some more examples:

1. The new Finance Minister is on top of the developments and you can expect to hear some major announcement in a couple of days.
2. That day everything went wrong. I missed my bus, reached office late, skipped my lunch, had a bad meeting with my client and on top of it, forgot my girlfriend’s birthday.