Certainly! Here’s an entry for “Too Much of a Good Thing”:
Excessively so
This locution, often applied to a quality that is inherently good but becomes less so in excess—such as “generous to a fault”—originates from the nineteenth century. The “fault” in question is, of course, the fault of going too far.
Variations and Similar Phrases:
- To a fare-the-well: This phrase implies perfection rather than excess. For instance, “The table was decorated to a fare-the-well; nothing was lacking.”
- Too much of a good thing: A warning that excessive amounts of a good thing can be harmful or undesirable.
Examples in Literature:
- Robert Browning’s “The Ring and the Book” (1868): “Faultless to a fault” describes someone or something overly perfect to a potentially detrimental degree.
Cliché Antonymous Phrases:
- Not enough of a good thing: Highlighting scarcity, as sometimes things that are good aren’t available in enough quantity.
- Moderation in all things: Suggesting that balance is key, often attributed to ancient Greeks and Aristotle’s “Golden Mean.”
Humorous Exploration:
💬 “I love chocolate cake. But five slices in a row make me feel like I’ve danced through a sugarstorm, only to emerge unscathed but regretting the last slice.”
Inspirational Thought:
💭 “Excellence is within reach! Just remember, wings of wax may soar too close to the sun. Embrace balance and your golden mean.”
Recommended Reading, Songs, Films:
- Books:
Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility"for themes of balance vs. excess; Arguably the trials of the too-virtuous Elinor and rather impetuous Marianne encapsulate this struggle. - Songs:
Queen's "Too Much Love Will Kill You"; A hauntingly apt reflection of this cliché in a sonic form. - Movies:
The Social Network; Balance ambition with ethics? Mark Zuckerberg’s escapades might just alarm you about too much ambition and innovation.
Farewell! This journey through the land of overused phrases and almost-pleasing platitudes reveals how fraught the path can be. Our exploration shows that balance is often the golden ticket, ensuring abundance without tipping into overwhelming excess. Happy cliché uncovering! 🌟
— M. Max Mirth, October 2023
