‘Too Much Of A Good Thing’, Meaning & Context

The idiom “too much of a good thing” means that even something that is generally considered to be beneficial can be harmful or undesirable in excess. For example, eating too much chocolate can lead to weight gain and health problems, even though chocolate is generally considered to be a healthy food. Similarly, working too many hours can lead to burnout and stress, even though work can be fulfilling and a source of satisfaction.

The idiom can be used to describe a wide variety of situations, from overeating to overspending to overworking. It is a reminder that even the best things in life can be harmful if we do not take them in moderation. It is a valuable lesson to learn, and one that can help us to live a more balanced and healthy life. In some cases, the idiom “too much of a good thing” can be used in a positive way. For example, someone might say that they are “having too much fun” to mean that they are enjoying themselves immensely. However, in most cases, the idiom is used to express the idea that even something that is generally considered to be good can become bad if it is in excess.

The idiom “too much of a good thing” can be used to describe a wide range of situations. It can be used to warn someone about the dangers of overindulgence, or it can be used to explain why someone is feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

The idiom “too much of a good thing” is a reminder that even the best things in life can be harmful if they are not enjoyed in moderation.

Origin of “too much of a good thing”

The idiom “too much of a good thing” is thought to have originated in the fifteenth century. The earliest known use of the phrase is in a poem by John Lydgate, which was published in 1430.  The poem is called “The Fall of Princes,” and it tells the story of the downfall of several historical figures. In the poem, Lydgate writes:

“For whoso hath too much of any good, Of that same good he shall be soon bereft.”

This line from Lydgate’s poem is the earliest known use of the phrase that became “too much of a good thing.” The phrase has been used ever since to warn people about the dangers of excess.

Lydgate’s poem was written during a time of great social and political upheaval. The Hundred Years’ War was still raging, and the Black Death had recently devastated Europe. In this time of turmoil, Lydgate’s poem offered a message of hope and warning. He reminded his readers that even the best things in life can be harmful if they are not taken in moderation.

The idiom “too much of a good thing” is recorded in a 1545 translation of Erasmus’s “Paraphrases of the New Testament.” The translation was by Nicholas Udall, and the phrase appears in the following passage:

“But it is an old sawe, that there is too much of a good thing: and it is true, that the best things, if they be too much used, doe much hurt.”

The phrase “too much of a good thing” has since come to be used in a wide variety of contexts, and it is now a common idiom in the English language.

“Too much of a good thing” in Shakespeare

The earliest known use of this phrase in English literature is in William Shakespeare’s play As You Like It, which was first published in 1600. In the play, the character of Rosalind says: “Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing?” This line is spoken in the context of a discussion about love and marriage. Rosalind is arguing that it is possible to love someone too much, and that this can lead to pain and heartbreak.

“Too much of a good thing” in popular culture

The idiom “too much of a good thing” is often used in popular culture, such as in films, comics, magazines, advertising, and music.

One example is the comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes.” In one strip, Calvin’s dad tells him that “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.” Calvin is upset by this news, because he loves to eat ice cream.

Calvin’s dad explains that even something that is good can be bad if you have too much of it. He tells Calvin that if he eats too much ice cream, he will get sick. Calvin is disappointed, but he understands what his dad is saying.

In the song “Too Much of a Good Thing” by the band INXS, the singer sings about the dangers of addiction.

In the magazine ad for Weight Watchers, the ad says “Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.”

In the comic book “Spider-Man,” the villain Green Goblin says “Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.”

Is it too much of a good thing?

Using “too much of a good thing”

The phrase “too much of a good thing” is often used to warn people about the dangers of excess. For example, someone might say “I love chocolate, but I know that too much of a good thing can be bad for me, so I’m going to try to eat less of it.” The phrase can also be used to express dissatisfaction with something that is considered to be a good thing. For example, someone might say “I love my new car, but I’m starting to think that I might have bought too much of a good thing. It’s so big and expensive, and I’m not sure if I really need it.”

Some examples of how the idiom “too much of a good thing” can be used in everyday discourse:

• “I love chocolate, but I know that I can’t eat too much of it, or I’ll get a stomachache.”
• “I’m having too much of a good time at this party. I need to take a break and get some air.”
• “I’m addicted to my favorite TV show. I need to stop watching it so much, or I’m going to fall behind on my work.”
• “I’m so happy that I got a promotion at work. But I’m also a little bit worried that I’m going to be too busy. I need to make sure that I don’t burn myself out.”