🚦 Enough Is Enough: Knowing When to Stop 🚫
Ever heard your grandmother or some wise old figure exclaim, “Enough is enough!”? It’s one of those timeless expressions that instantly halts excess and redirects towards moderation. With roots stretching back to Horace, Martial, and Plautus in ancient Rome, it was evidently understood that the line between ’enough’ and ’too much’ should not be crossed.
Synonyms, Similar Terms, and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- That’s sufficient
- No more
- That’s it
Antonyms:
- More, please!
- Keep it coming
- Never enough
Related Phrases and Expressions
- Stop while you’re ahead
- Don’t overdo it
- That’s the limit
Humorous Quotes and Sayings
- “Money can’t buy happiness, but I’d rather cry in a Jaguar.” — Unknown
- “You can never be too rich or too thin.” — Wallis Warfield, Duchess of Windsor (attributed)
- “As for money, enough is enough; no man can enjoy more.” — Robert Southey, The Doctor, 1834
Proverbs and References
- “Too much of a good thing.” Reference: Overindulgence can make even a beneficial thing turn bad.
- “All things in moderation.” Reference: Advocates balance in life.
- “There is now enough.” Used by: Ancient Roman writers such as Horace, Martial, Plautus.
Literary and Pop Culture References
- Books
The Doctor by Robert Southey - “As for money, enough is enough; no man can enjoy more.” - Movies
Wall Street (1987) - The notion that one can never have too much finds resonance. - Poetry
Querela Frettintis by Poeta Anonymous - showcases the saying in a medieval context. - Songs
“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits - captures modern critique of material excess.
Quiz Time!
### Which phrase means to stop overdoing something?
- [x] Enough is enough
- [ ] Never enough
- [ ] Keep it coming
- [ ] More, please!
> **Explanation:** "Enough is enough" means to halt when the limit has been reached, as opposed to craving for more.
### Which expression is a synonym for "Enough is enough"?
- [ ] Keep it coming
- [x] That's sufficient
- [ ] More, please!
- [ ] Never enough
> **Explanation:** "That's sufficient" translates to saying "enough is enough," implying that no more is needed.
### True or False: "You can never be too rich or too thin" suggests moderation.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This phrase famously attributed to Wallis Warfield, Duchess of Windsor, actually encourages excess rather than moderation.
### Which book contains the quote "As for money, enough is enough; no man can enjoy more"?
- [ ] Frankenstein
- [ ] Moby-Dick
- [ ] Oliver Twist
- [x] The Doctor
> **Explanation:** Written by Robert Southey, *The Doctor* expresses the idea that one should find satisfaction in having enough money.
For all the rhetorical splendor found in language through clichés and idioms, may you find wisdom and a sprinkle of humor navigating your way through this dictionary. As you delve deeper, bear in mind the poignant words of Horace:
“Virtue is the middle course.”
Until next time, let us know when “enough is enough.”
Yours in wordy wonder, W. T. Wittywords October 2023
