an embarrassment of riches

an embarrassment of riches

Too much or more than enough of a desired or needed thing. There are so many stellar applicants for the job that we can't choose between them—it's truly an embarrassment of riches. A: "Look at all the desserts people brought to the party!" B: "Whoa, talk about an embarrassment of riches. I'm gonna stake about a spot close to the dessert table for the rest of the night!" Have you looked at their lineup since the trade deadline? They have so many all-stars now, it's an embarrassment of riches!
See also: an, embarrassment, of, riches
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

embarrassment of riches

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).
See also: embarrassment, of, riches
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

an embarrassment of riches

LITERARY
If you have an embarrassment of riches, you have so many good things or options that you cannot decide which to have or do. With three matches being screened live simultaneously, football fans have an embarrassment of riches to choose from.
See also: an, embarrassment, of, riches
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

an emˌbarrassment of ˈriches

so many good things that it is difficult to choose just one: Stratford has an embarrassment of riches, what with three theatres and lovely countryside too.
See also: an, embarrassment, of, riches
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

embarrassment of riches, an

Too much of a good thing, an overabundance. The term is a direct translation from the French, where it first appeared as the title of a comedy by the Abbé Léonor d’Allainval, L’embarras des richesses (1726), translated into English by John Ozell and opening in London in 1738.
See also: an, embarrassment, of
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer
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References in periodicals archive ?
There's an embarrassment of riches in the middle with Dylan Watts, Aaron McEneff, Jack Byrne and Ronan Finn leading the way.
Bolger can be platform for new stars to shine
The Reds boss has an embarrassment of riches going forward following the PS36.9million signing of Mohamed Salah and the imminent return to fitness of Sadio Mane.
KLOPP'S ON THE ATTACK; Reds boss tells forwards: Perform or you don't play
COMPARED to his Cardiff City counterpart Russell Slade, Gary Rowett has not quite an embarrassment of riches but definitely a wealth of options at his disposal this weekend.
Gleeson available for Cardiff clash; TEAM TALK
Aidan O'Brien has an embarrassment of riches for 2015, including Ol' Man River, who was duly cut to 8-1 joint-favourite, from 14-1, with Ladbrokes for the Investec Derby and to 10-1 (from 16s) for the Qipco 2000 Guineas.
Ol' Man River enchances 2015 Classic prospects; RACING
The Mourneview Park men have an embarrassment of riches up front with Guy Bates, Tiarnan Mulvenna and David Rainey already at the club and Hamilton could now focus solely on his duties off the pitch.
Hammy may put himself out to grass
Says curator David Leopold, "Putting together this show has been a curator's dream, as it is an embarrassment of riches. I always maintain that Hirschfeld was not the best at what he did--he was the only one who did what he did."
Line 'em up
The cast deliver amazing musical performances and Kay Cannon's script, is an embarrassment of riches, peppered with deliciously tart one-liners.
DVDS
NEIL LENNON claims Juventus didn't need to sign Nicolas Anelka because they already have an embarrassment of riches up front.
Lennon: Juve did not need Anelka
KAUTO Star may be nicely tucked up in his box enjoying retirement, but Paul Nicholls could still have an embarrassment of riches come Boxing Day at Kempton.
A new galaxy of stars for Nicholls; RACING
It was an embarrassment of riches for Love whose side are 8-11 favourites with Hills to regain the trophy.
USR yder1 2 announced
STEPHEN ROCHE believes an embarrassment of riches could have a detrimental impact on Team Sky's Tour de France hopes this summer.
Sky's riches could be downfall - Roche; CYCLING
City chief Mancini has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal and often juggles his side.
We're ready to fight to keep top spot
Only two of Madrid's starting line-up from the cup final began that match, and with an almost full squad available for tonight's match - Ricardo Carvalho is suspended and Sami Khedira injured - Jose Mourinho has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal as he looks to move a step closer to becoming the first coach to conquer Europe with three different clubs.
Ramos plays down Real favourites tag ahead of clash with Barca
Few counties have such an embarrassment of riches as Hampshire: Winchester (city, cathedral, St Cross hospital and school) famous country houses (Broadlands, The Vyne, Highclere, Stratfield Saye et al.), numerous villages, famous market towns such as Petersfield, the 'military town' of Alder-shot and the Farnborough mausoleum of Napoleon III and his Empress.
Hampshire: Winchester and the North
Wotte already has an embarrassment of riches in his attack department, with no less than five forwards competing for a first-team place.
Ismaili to sign Heartland striker
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