embarrassment of riches

Idioms and Phrases

An overabundance of something, too much of a good thing, as in All four of them have their own cars but there's no room in the driveway—an embarrassment of riches . This term originated in 1738 as John Ozell's translation of a French play, L'Embarras des richesses (1726).

Example Sentences

Roberto Martinez, who crossed swords with Clarke during his time in charge of Belgium, once again has an embarrassment of riches from which to select, with his team emerging from a keenly contested battle with Croatia on match-day one.

From BBC

It’s no wonder the animated sequel proved to be an embarrassment of riches at the box office.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike elsewhere, this is an area where Southgate has a genuine embarrassment of riches.

From BBC

In recent years, music aficionados have been blessed with an embarrassment of riches —particularly when it comes to the Beatles.

From Salon

Abbie Ward steps in for Aldcroft at lock, an area where England have an embarrassment of riches.

From BBC

Related Words

• plethora