Meaning

Too much of a good thing

Categorised in: Phrases coined by Shakespeare - As You Like It ·135 Phrases coined by William Shakespeare

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Too much of a good thing'?

Excess may do you harm.

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Too much of a good thing’?

The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations lists this phrase as proverbial and dates it from the late 15th century. Th earliest example that I can find of it in print is from Shakespeare’s As You Like It, 1600:

ROSALIND: Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing?
Come, sister, you shall be the priest and marry us.
Give me your hand, Orlando. What do you say, sister?

Historical trend

“Too much of a good” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

Too much of a good