Boil the Ocean

American business English has several phrases for doing more than a problem needs.

boil the ocean — to take on an overwhelmingly large task. In 2010 Meg Whitman, then a candidate for governor of California, said she would not try to “boil the ocean.”

bells and whistles — extra features beyond what is needed.

over-engineered — built to a higher standard than the job requires. The word is used as criticism.

it gets the job done — praise for something that works, however plain.

good to go — ready, with nothing more to add.

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