🍰 Too Much of a Good Thing 🥳
Definition: When something desirable becomes too abundant, it loses its appeal or becomes problematic.
Origin Story 📚
The phrase “too much of a good thing” is a direct translation from the French, where it first appeared as the title of a comedy by the Abbé Léonor d’Allainval, L’embarras des richesses (1726). It was translated into English by John Ozell and opened in London in 1738.
Synonyms and Related Terms 🗣️
- Overkill - Taking excessive action to accomplish something.
- Glut - An excessively abundant supply of something.
- Surfeit - An excessive amount of something.
- Plethora - Plenty; an amount more than necessary.
Idioms & Expressions 🗣️
- “Bite off more than you can chew” – Take on more than one is capable of handling.
- “All that glitters is not gold” – Not everything that looks precious or true turns out to be so.
- “Kill the golden goose” – Destroy something that is profitable, sometimes by trying to extract undue profits.
Quotes 🌟
“Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.” — Mae West
“The problem with having everything is you have too much of everything.” — Unknown
“Abundance creates complacency and predictability. Overabundance leads nowhere.” — Marie Kondō
Proverbial Wisdom 🦉
- “You can have too much of a good thing.” — This simple phrase is used to denote when an excess of something valuable turns undesirable.
- “Moderation in all things.” — Echoing Aristotle’s phronesis, reminding us that even good things should be enjoyed in reasonable amounts.
Pop Culture and Literature 🎬
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Books:
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde: A cautionary tale on the overindulgence of beauty and youth.
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley: Explores themes of overabundance through the lens of dystopia.
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Movies:
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Highlights the pitfalls of excess and gluttony.
- Wall-E: Examines the consequences of overindulgence in consumerism.
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Songs:
- “Money Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles: Illustrates that having too much can lead to emotional scarcity.
- “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys: Amplifies the idea of craving more than we can handle.
Quizzes ❓
Remember, dear reader, moderation is key. As we venture further into the land of clichés, let’s always cherish a balanced approach. Until our paths cross again, may your days be filled with just the right amount of all good things. 🌟✨
Geo. Kaleero, October 1, 2023
