An embarrassment of riches
idiom
Having a lot more of good things than one needs.
With all the donations coming in for the charity, we are faced with an embarrassment of riches.

Often appears as...
- faced with an embarrassment of riches
- given an embarrassment of riches
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
idiom
Having a lot more of good things than one needs.
With all the donations coming in for the charity, we are faced with an embarrassment of riches.

Often appears as...
- faced with an embarrassment of riches
- given an embarrassment of riches
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1

Positive Connotation
Indicates a favorable situation, yet might suggest some overwhelming aspect or decision-making difficulty due to many options.

Since winning the lottery, I've had an embarrassment of riches, making it hard to choose what to buy.
Figurative Use
Not necessarily about wealth; can refer to a surplus of anything, like talent, opportunities, or choices.

The university's program offers an embarrassment of riches in courses, leaving students spoiled for choice.
Irony Present
Sometimes used ironically when an abundance seems absurd or causes a peculiar kind of problem.

Our garden produced such an embarrassment of riches that we didn't know where to store all the vegetables.
Positive Connotation
Indicates a favorable situation, yet might suggest some overwhelming aspect or decision-making difficulty due to many options.

Since winning the lottery, I've had an embarrassment of riches, making it hard to choose what to buy.
Figurative Use
Not necessarily about wealth; can refer to a surplus of anything, like talent, opportunities, or choices.

The university's program offers an embarrassment of riches in courses, leaving students spoiled for choice.
Irony Present
Sometimes used ironically when an abundance seems absurd or causes a peculiar kind of problem.

Our garden produced such an embarrassment of riches that we didn't know where to store all the vegetables.
Positive Connotation
Indicates a favorable situation, yet might suggest some overwhelming aspect or decision-making difficulty due to many options.

Since winning the lottery, I've had an embarrassment of riches, making it hard to choose what to buy.
Figurative Use
Not necessarily about wealth; can refer to a surplus of anything, like talent, opportunities, or choices.

The university's program offers an embarrassment of riches in courses, leaving students spoiled for choice.
Irony Present
Sometimes used ironically when an abundance seems absurd or causes a peculiar kind of problem.

Our garden produced such an embarrassment of riches that we didn't know where to store all the vegetables.
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