English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
A bit too much
Meaning
The idiom "a bit too much" is used to describe something that is excessive or overdoing it, often reaching the point of being overwhelming or causing discomfort. It can be used to refer to a wide range of things, such as food, drinks, work, emotions, and even physical activity. In contemporary language, this idiom is commonly understood to mean "just a little too much" or "an excessive amount."
Usage
- After finishing the large pizza, John said, "This is just a little too much for me."
- The team had been working hard for weeks and was starting to feel burnt out. Their project manager reminded them that sometimes they need to take a step back and not work so hard. She said, "It's important to remember that a bit too much work can be a good thing, but too much of a good thing is still too much."
- The new employee was excited about the company's culture and was eager to learn as much as possible. However, after attending several team-building activities and social events, she realized that sometimes she needed to take a break and not participate in everything. She said, "I want to be part of the team, but I also need to remember that doing too many things at once can be overwhelming."
- The restaurant's signature dish was known for its spicy flavors and heat. One customer who couldn't handle spicy food said, "I love the flavors, but this is just a little too much for me."
- The comedian's jokes were funny and clever, but after several hours of non-stop laughter, some audience members started to feel the effects of the alcohol. They said, "This is just a bit too much for me. I need to take a break and have a drink of water."
Roots and History
The idiom "a bit too much" has been used in English since at least the 17th century. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first recorded use of this idiom was in 1644, when it appeared in a poem by John Dryden. The phrase has since become a common expression used in everyday conversation and is often used to convey a sense of caution or moderation.
Synonyms in English
- Too much of a good thing
- An overdose of something
- A surplus of something
- An excess of something
- An abundance of something
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "Trop plein" (too full)
- Spanish: "Demasiado" (too much)
- German: "Zu viel" (too much)
- Italian: "Troppo" (too much)
- Portuguese: "Muito" (too much)