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.
See also: embarrassment, of, riches
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.

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: embarrassment, of, riches
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

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: embarrassment, of, riches
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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: embarrassment, of
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • embarrassment
  • embarrassment of riches
  • embarrassment of riches, an
  • riches
  • stellar
  • under control
  • professional
  • professional student
  • come down to the line
  • in line for
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
The cast deliver amazing musical performances and Kay Cannon's script, is an embarrassment of riches, peppered with deliciously tart one-liners.
NEIL LENNON claims Juventus didn't need to sign Nicolas Anelka because they already have an embarrassment of riches up front.
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.
It was an embarrassment of riches for Love whose side are 8-11 favourites with Hills to regain the trophy.
STEPHEN ROCHE believes an embarrassment of riches could have a detrimental impact on Team Sky's Tour de France hopes this summer.
City chief Mancini has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal and often juggles his side.
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.
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.
Wotte already has an embarrassment of riches in his attack department, with no less than five forwards competing for a first-team place.