In particular if you've looked at linear algebra libraries that have two or three different multiplication operators (cross, dot, bitwise), if they commit to use functions from the start they end up faar more readable than any attempt to abuse operator overloading.

I prefer;

- DSL (domain specific language, especially for symbolic solving such as mathematica)

- Strings (That's just a DSL hiding in a parse() function, that can be called from a different language. Write the code as if its a DSL, but without pulling in a new tech stack)

- Functions, but preferable in a chain-able style. sym("a").add(1).eq(sym("b")).solve() is better than solve(eq(add(1,a),b))

I have seen operator overloading done right... but I've also cursed loudly at it done badly.

Rust in particular use up most symbols for other things (borrow checker takes alot of them, and "==" is forced to be consistent) so you end up with only "+ - * /" as overload-able. "+" and "-" being the least abused from my experience perhaps makes that a good compromise.