Phrase guide

one too many

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see one, too many.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • We’ve got three too many.
  • Even if one child is hurt that is one too many.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

One or more servings too many of alcohol, leading to drunkenness.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He's had one too many.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From one drink (of an alcoholic beverage) too many.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: yhden juoman liikaa — (idiomatic) one or more servings too many of alcohol
  • French: un verre de trop — (idiomatic) one or more servings too many of alcohol
  • German: einen über den Durst trinken — (idiomatic) one or more servings too many of alcohol
  • Norwegian Bokmål: et glass for mye — (idiomatic) one or more servings too many of alcohol
  • Russian: перебор (perebor) — (idiomatic) one or more servings too many of alcohol
  • Spanish: unas copas de más — (idiomatic) one or more servings too many of alcohol