Model car mat I flipped over the top (12)

I believe the answer is:

melodramatic

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'over the top' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'model car mat i flipped' is the wordplay.
'flipped' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'flips' mean this).
'model'+'car'+'mat'+'i'='modelcarmati'
'modelcarmati' with letters rearranged gives 'MELODRAMATIC'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for melodramatic that I've seen before include "like ham?" , "Emotionally overblown (in theatre)" , "Sensational" , "Exaggerated - over-emotional" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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