Too much of one thing is good for nothing.
Too much of one thing is good for nothing.
Meaning in plain English
An excessive amount of one thing can crowd out what else is needed or reduce its usefulness. The saying warns against imbalance, while its absolute ending should not turn every large quantity into something worthless.
Example
A programme organiser shortens several similar talks to leave time for discussion and a practical demonstration that the audience also needs.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The proverb moves from too much of one thing to calling it good for nothing. A useful reading softens that exaggeration by asking what the excess prevents or makes harder. A long session on one topic might leave necessary questions unanswered, or repeated contributions of the same resource might leave another need unmet. The appropriate amount depends on the purpose and circumstances; quantity alone does not settle the issue. The saying should not excuse throwing away something valuable without considering another use. Its point is to assess balance and function rather than keep adding merely because the thing itself is desirable.
When to use it
Use it when repetition or excess of one element is crowding out a useful balance.
Keep in mind
A large quantity can still have value; identify the actual excess and consider other uses.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 1191 · One thing
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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