ENGLISH
REFERENCE

one too many

idiom
Meaning

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


Origin

disputed origin

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

Examples
SIMPLE

He had one too many and started acting silly.

CONTEXTUAL

After having one too many at the party, he decided it was time to call a taxi home.

COMPLEX

The guest had clearly consumed one too many, as his speech became slurred and his behavior grew increasingly erratic throughout the evening.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as best one can

    In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.

  2. 02

    as far as one knows

    To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.

  3. 03

    back to square one

    Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.

  4. 04

    beat as one

    To share the same feelings.

  5. 05

    become one flesh

    To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.

  6. 06

    bite off more than one can chew

    To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.

  7. 07

    bite the big one

    To perform poorly; to fail.

  8. 08

    bite the hand that feeds one

    To cause harm to a benefactor (especially one that one is dependent on, thus with the idea that this behaviour is self-damaging).

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