TOO MANY Meaning and
Definition
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"Too many" is a phrase that indicates an excessive quantity or number of something beyond what is considered appropriate, desirable, or necessary. It implies an exceeding or surpassing of a reasonable or expected limit, proportion, or threshold. When used in context, this phrase suggests an overload, abundance, or surplus that can potentially lead to negative consequences or hinder the intended purpose of an action or situation.
The phrase "too many" typically implies a subjective evaluation based on individual perspectives or societal norms. It can refer to an excessive amount of objects, people, events, activities, or any other quantifiable or countable entity. It portrays a sense of imbalance, overwhelm, or a lack of control. Moreover, "too many" may indicate an impossibility or impracticality when dealing with a vast number or quantity, thus emphasizing the need for moderation, moderation, or reduction.
For instance, one may say, "There are too many cars on the road," expressing concerns regarding heavy traffic congestion. In this sense, the phrase implies that the number of cars exceeds the capacity of the road or leads to inefficiency in transportation. Similarly, one could state, "I have too many assignments to complete in one night," indicating an excessive workload that exceeds what can realistically be accomplished within the given timeframe.
Overall, the concept of "too many" acknowledges an excessiveness beyond an acceptable or viable threshold, provoking a sense of dissatisfaction, inconvenience, or potential negative implications.
Common Misspellings for TOO MANY
Etymology of TOO MANY
The word "too many" primarily consists of two elements: "too" and "many".
- The adverb "too" originated from the Old English word "to", which means "in addition" or "also". Over time, it developed the meaning of "excessively" or "more than necessary". This Old English word eventually merged with the Middle English "to", and its spelling changed to "too" in Modern English.
- The word "many" has its roots in the Old English word "manig", which means "numberous" or "great in number". It has remained relatively unchanged in its spelling and meaning throughout the transition from Old English to Modern English.
Therefore, when combined, "too many" expresses an excessive amount or a quantity that surpasses what is needed or desirable.
Idioms with the word TOO MANY
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one too many
The idiom "one too many" means to have consumed more than what is advisable or acceptable, usually referring to alcohol or drinks. It suggests being intoxicated or having reached the point of excessive indulgence. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone has made a mistake or error due to being tired, overwhelmed, or overwhelmed.
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be too many for
The idiom "be too many for" means to overwhelm or overpower someone or something due to their inability to handle or cope with a situation, task, or challenge. It suggests that the person or thing is faced with more than they can handle or manage effectively.
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wear too many hats
The idiom "wear too many hats" means to have or take on too many responsibilities or roles simultaneously. It implies that a person is attempting to handle multiple tasks or jobs, often beyond their capacity or expertise. This can lead to stress, reduced effectiveness, or difficulty in managing everything adequately.
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be too many for (someone)
The idiom "be too many for (someone)" means to overwhelm or overpower someone mentally, emotionally, or physically due to the excessive demands, challenges, or difficulties of a situation or task. It implies that a person is unable to cope or handle what is required or expected of them.
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too many cooks spoil the soup
The idiom "too many cooks spoil the soup" means that when too many people are involved in the decision-making or execution of a task, it often leads to confusion, inefficiency, and a poorly executed outcome. It implies that having too many people involved can hinder the success or quality of a project or endeavor.
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too many cooks in the kitchen
The idiom "too many cooks in the kitchen" means that when there are too many people involved in a task or project, each with their own ideas and opinions, it becomes chaotic and difficult to accomplish the goal efficiently.
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too many cooks spoil the soup, at too many cooks spoil the broth
The idiom "too many cooks spoil the soup, or too many cooks spoil the broth" means that when too many people are involved in a task or project, it can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and ultimately a poor or unsuccessful outcome. It implies that having too many individuals trying to control or influence a situation can negatively impact the desired result.
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too many balls in the air
The idiom "too many balls in the air" refers to a situation where a person has taken on or is handling too many tasks, responsibilities, or commitments simultaneously, making it difficult to manage or complete them effectively. It implies a sense of overwhelmed or overwhelmedness due to having too much on one's plate.
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Too many cooks
The idiom "Too many cooks" means that when there are too many people involved in trying to accomplish something, especially a task or project, it can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and disorganization. It suggests that having too many individuals with different opinions and directions can hinder the successful completion of a job.
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have one's finger in too many pies
The idiom "have one's finger in too many pies" means to be involved in or trying to control too many different activities or projects at the same time, often resulting in being unable to effectively manage or give full attention to any of them. It implies taking on more responsibilities or commitments than one can handle.
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too many chiefs
The idiom "too many chiefs" refers to a situation where there are too many people in a position of authority or leadership, leading to confusion, lack of coordination, or conflicting opinions. It implies that having too many decision-makers can hinder productivity or progress.
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have had one too many
The idiom "have had one too many" means that someone has consumed an excessive amount of alcohol and is now drunk or intoxicated. It suggests that the person has surpassed the point of moderation and has consumed more than they can handle.
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Too many cooks spoil the stew.
The idiom "Too many cooks spoil the stew" means that when there are too many people involved in a task or decision-making process, it often leads to confusion, inefficiency, and poor results. It suggests that too many individuals trying to contribute or work together can create disorder and negatively impact the outcome.
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be (one) too many for someone
The idiom "be (one) too many for someone" means to overwhelm or overpower someone, typically causing them to feel overburdened or unable to cope with a situation or task. It suggests that there is an excessive amount of something, be it work, responsibilities, problems, or challenges, that exceeds someone's capacity or ability to handle.
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have finger in too many pies
The idiom "have a finger in too many pies" refers to the situation where someone is involved in too many activities or projects simultaneously, often to the point where they are unable to effectively manage or give proper attention to any of them. It implies that the person is overextended or involved in more things than they can handle.
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too many cooks spoil the broth
The idiom "too many cooks spoil the broth" means that when too many people are involved or have input on a particular task or project, it often results in confusion, inefficiency, or a lower quality outcome.
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too many chiefs and not enough Indians
The idiom "too many chiefs and not enough Indians" refers to a situation where there are too many people with authority or decision-making power and not enough people to actually carry out the work or tasks required. It implies that there is an imbalance between those in leadership roles and those who are responsible for executing the work.
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have too many irons in the fire
The idiom "have too many irons in the fire" means to be involved in or committed to too many tasks, projects, or activities at the same time, often to the point where it becomes overwhelming or difficult to manage effectively.
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irons in the fire, too many
The idiom "irons in the fire, too many" refers to the situation when someone is handling or managing an excessive amount of tasks, projects, or responsibilities simultaneously. It implies that the individual has taken on more than they can effectively handle, potentially leading to difficulties in completing all the tasks or achieving desired outcomes.
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too many chefs in the kitchen
The idiom "too many chefs in the kitchen" means that having too many people involved in making a decision or partaking in a task can lead to confusion, inefficiency, or conflict. It suggests that too many opinions or individuals trying to control or influence something can hinder progress or quality.
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have one too many
The idiom "have one too many" means to consume more alcoholic drinks than one's limit or to be excessively intoxicated.
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have a few (too many)
To have consumed an excessive amount of alcohol or other substances, to the point of intoxication or beyond moderate consumption.
Similar spelling words for TOO MANY
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