en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Explaining "You can have too much of a good thing"

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 14/10/2024, 12:07
English.me team member

What does it mean?

You can have too much of a good thing

The phrase means that even positive experiences, qualities, or substances can become detrimental or undesirable if enjoyed or used excessively.

Tone

Cautionary

Origin

The phrase has been around since at least the 15th century and is often attributed to the playwright Geoffrey Chaucer. It has been used in various forms over the centuries to convey the idea that moderation is important.

Examples of usage

  • Eating chocolate is delightful, but eating too much can make you feel sick. You can have too much of a good thing.
  • Vacations are wonderful, but if you work less and vacation more than you can afford, financial strain can follow—another example of too much of a good thing.
  • Daily exercise is beneficial, but overtraining can lead to injury. It's possible to have too much of a good thing.

Recommended posts in Phrases

Love will find a way

Love will find a way

The phrase "Love will find a way" suggests that love ... Learn more →

If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys

If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys

The phrase "If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys" means ... Learn more →

Man does not live by bread alone

Man does not live by bread alone

The phrase "Man does not live by bread alone" suggests ... Learn more →

Keep your chin up

Keep your chin up

The phrase "Keep your chin up" is an idiom that ... Learn more →