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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.