🙈 An Embarrassment of Riches 🙉: When Too Much is Too Much
An “embarrassment of riches” refers to the situation where one has such an overwhelming number of good things that it becomes a problem. This curious and paradoxical phrase originates from the French comedy L’embarras des richesses by Abbé Léonor d’Allainval (1726), hit English shores through John Ozell’s translation in 1738.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Overabundance: An excess or surplus.
- Glut: An excessive supply of something.
- Too much of a good thing: Having more than what’s beneficial.
- Bounty: Generous amount or supply.
- Plethora: A large or excessive amount.
- Deluge: A great quantity; flood.
Proverbs:
- “Too many cooks spoil the broth.”
- Indicates that too many people involved in doing something can ruin it.
- “Everything in moderation.”
- Implies that too much of anything isn’t good.
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “I have an embarrassment of riches in chocolate; it’s both a blessing and a curse!” — Anonymous
- “I have such an embarrassment of riches in smartphone apps that I can waste all my time just picking one.” — Ethel Droll
Literary References:
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Books:
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (a lot of wealth leading to complications)
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (social riches and their embarrassments)
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Movies:
- The Great Gatsby (high life and its downfalls)
- Crazy Rich Asians (lives of the rich and the surprisingly frustrating consequences)
Inspirational:
“Sometimes, having too many choices can be more paralyzing than having none at all. Simplify to amplify your joy.” — Lexi Verbiage
### Which of these terms is synonymous with "an embarrassment of riches"?
- [ ] A desert of abundance
- [x] Too much of a good thing
- [ ] A sprinkle of prosperity
- [ ] A mirage of fortunes
> **Explanation:** "Too much of a good thing" is a well-known expression synonymous with "an embarrassment of riches," indicating an overabundance.
### Which of these could be considered "an embarrassment of riches"?
- [x] Having 50 flavors of ice cream to choose from
- [ ] Owning exactly one pair of shoes
- [ ] Having no books to read at home
- [ ] A desert island with one coconut tree
> **Explanation:** Having 50 flavors of ice cream to choose from is overwhelming, capturing the very essence of "an embarrassment of riches." The other options lack overabundance.
### True or False: "An embarrassment of riches" means a shortage of quality options.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "An embarrassment of riches" specifically refers to having *too many* good options, which can be an embarrassment.
Stay enchanted by the whimsical dance of words! Remember, life’s real riches lie not in abundance, but in the joy of balance.
With lexicographical adoration, Lexi Verbiage
