Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-01
Meaning: Verified- Meaning and lesson
Having enough meets the need; adding more may turn a comfortable margin into unnecessary excess.
The proverb challenges the assumption that extra is always better. It treats sufficiency as a sensible stopping point rather than a reason to keep accumulating.
- When it is used
Use it to question a plan to take, provide, or keep more than is needed, especially when the extra amount is being defended simply because it is available.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Enough and to spare is too much.