“Too much of a good thing”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase means that even something beneficial or enjoyable can cause problems or be harmful if overindulged or used excessively.
Tone Cautionary yet reflective, suggesting moderation.
Where it comes from
The phrase originates from William Shakespeare’s play As You Like It, highlighting the idea that overindulgence can lead to negative consequences.
Examples
- She loved the sunny weather, but after weeks without rain, it became too much of a good thing.
- While vitamins are essential for health, taking too many can be too much of a good thing.
- He enjoyed his success, but the constant attention was too much of a good thing.
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