good thingn.

Brit.

/ˌɡʊd ˈθɪŋ/, U.S.

/ˈɡʊd ˈˌθɪŋ/

Forms: see good adj., n., adv., and int. and thing n.¹

Origin: Formed within English, by compounding. Etymons: good adj., thing n.¹

Etymology: < good adj. + thing n.¹

1. In plural. Desirable or pleasurable things generally; luxuries; esp. tasty and appetizing food; treats. In early use chiefly in the good things of this world (also life) (now usually in theological contexts).

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > luxury or luxurious living > [noun] > luxury or luxuries

good thingsc1384

delectables1547

luxury1705

the world > food and drink > food > qualities of food > [noun] > delicacy or titbit

daintethc1290

daintyc1300

morselc1390

confection1393

delicec1405

delicacya1425

delicatea1475

friandise1484

deliciositiesa1500

daintive1526

junket1538

knack1548

daintrel1575

cate1578

pulpament1600

gaudy1622

regalo1622

daint1633

titbita1641

scitament1656

regale1673

knick-knack1682

nicety1704

bonne bouche1721

diablotin1770

sunket1788

regalement1795

confiture1802

bon-bon1821

sock1825

delicatessen1853

good things1861

tiddlywinks1893

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Luke i. 53 He hath fillid hungry men with goode thingis [L. bonis], and he hath left ryche men voyde.

1487 W. Caxton tr. J. Legrand Bk. Good Maners i. v. sig. biii^v Saul also had receyued many good thynges of Dauyd and neuertheles he wold haue slayne hym.

1533 tr. Erasmus Enchiridion Militis Christiani xxxv. sig. R.viii The mynde of man, which is wyder & larger of capacite than that it can be suffysed with al the good thynges of this worlde.

1567 T. Drant tr. Horace Pistles in tr. Horace Arte of Poetrie sig. E.vi^v Many men do luste To eate good things.

1588 J. Udall True Remedie iii. f. 46^v The Israelites beganne to waxe fat wyth the good things of this life.

1632 J. Mabbe tr. J. de Santa Maria Policie Unveiled xxvii. 281 I will inioy the good things of this world, by which are vnderstood all sortes of delights, and pleasures, as eating, drinking, intertainments, recreations, sportes, and pastimes.

1675 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Odysses iv. 36 Another on the Table laid good things. Another Bread.

1713 N. Walter Disc. conc. Wonderfulness of Christ xii. 186 A Feast of good things for the entertainment of his Spouse!

1755 Connoisseur No. 88 (1756) 531 The generality of writers are by the frowns of fortune debarred from possessing a profuse share of the good things of this world.

1821 P. Egan Life in London i. iv. 58 Tom was born to be a happy fellow, if the enjoyment of the ‘good things’ of this world could have made him so.

1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 414 The German relished for his ‘mornin’ the good things..here provided.

1888 J. W. Burgon Lives Twelve Good Men II. v. 29 He would partake freely of the good things before him.

1901 W. Elliott Life Jesus Christ (1908) xlv. 363 It is God's will that we shall first receive the good things of this life from His hands.

1920 F. J. Mills Cheer Up 25 The Cheer-Ups—150 strong—arrived with baskets of good things, including oranges and early peaches.

1992 Oldie 21 Feb. 41/2 This one had delectable rosy beef, smoked salmon, Thai chicken and no end of good things.

2. A witty comment or remark; a bon mot.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > wit with words > [noun] > instance of

crank1594

wits, fits, and fancies1595

jerk1598

quirk1600

tongue-squib1628

dictery1632

repartee1637

quip1645

good thing1671

bon mot1735

a play on (also upon) words1761

sally1781

wordplay1794

southboarda1805

mot1813

smartism1830

1671 T. Shadwell Humorists ii. 25 What does this dull Sot hope for, that does not say two good things in a day.

1694 W. Congreve Double-dealer i. i. 2 The Deuce take me if there were three good things said.

1753 J. Collier Ess. Art of Tormenting 198 Tom Neverout, who doats on being thought a wit, should look pleased with the approbation of the company for having said a good thing.

1775 S. Johnson Let. 23 June (1992) II. 233 I hope you..heard musick, and said good things.

1807 Salmagundi 18 Apr. 146 He could not for the soul of him restrain a good thing.

1840 W. M. Thackeray Paris Sketch Bk. I. 171 When we say a good thing, in the course of the night, we are wondrous lucky and pleased.

1900 Trans. Colonial Soc. Mass. 1895–7 3 487 In familiar intercourse he was one of the most engaging of companions, brilliant in conversation, sparkling with good things, and receptive of the good things of others.

1927 C. Harris Happy Pilgrimage v. 133 Who among us will ever again grin appreciatively at that idiotic British way of saying a good thing.

2000 R. Slotkin Abe (2001) i. ii. 25 Pap and Uncle Sparrow talked some: Uncle real friendly, smiling and shaking his head, even slapping the table if Pap come near saying a good thing.

a. Chiefly Horse Racing. A likely success; an excellent opportunity for gain; spec. a horse that is very likely to win a race; a certainty.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by purpose used for > [noun] > racehorse > favourite

good thing1735

favourite1813

pea1888

cert1889

selection1901

nap1926

nap selection1927

stickout1930

shoo-in1950

1735 Gentleman's Mag. 5 p. iv Mr Urban, said he, you have one good thing be sure stick to that.

1796 Proc. Old Bailey 17 Feb. 373/2 Don't fail to write, for this also is a good thing, and will now be properly managed.

1831 Times 8 Jan. He would put them into a good thing if they would give him share.

1851 Racing Times 14 Oct. 267/2 These coves..thinks they has got a good thing.

1888 H. James Reverberator ii. 35 He had a genius for happy speculation, the quick, unerring instinct of a ‘good thing’.

1913 Field 4 Jan. 26/1 Master at Arms is not a big horse, and with 12 st 7 lb in the saddle he hardly looked like a good thing for the Sunbury Steeplechase.

1971 G. Morgan We are borne On 358 A good magsman can draw money at any time from the racing fraternity,..and the good hearted fellow is promised to be told when the good thing is going to win a race.

2011 Racing Post (Nexis) 23 Dec. 8 The French-bred would look something of a good thing for the race.

†b. A great financial success, esp. a successful bet. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [noun] > one who or that which is successful > that which is successful

success1667

good thing1764

go1780

out1843

winner1913

success story1925

socko1937

gangbuster1946

bomb1954

1764 Gentleman's & London Mag. Jan. 57/2 I speak plainly, it must be made a good thing to justify me for leaving my friends.

1795 Sporting Mag. May 64/2 If you will find money, for I have none,..I will find skill, and you shall have a good thing.

1820 Examiner No. 633. 351/2 You must have made a good thing of it if you have got the 1000l.

1883 M. E. Kennard Right Sort (1884) v. 51 Now and again..Jack Clinker managed to pull off some ‘good thing’ on the turf.

4. A course of action or state of affairs that is desirable or beneficial; a person who or thing which is commendable. Frequently as complement to non-referential it and followed by a subordinate clause or infinitive clause expressing the beneficial circumstances.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > an advantage, benefit, or favourable circumstance > a benefit > that makes happy or prosperous > a beneficial or desirable thing

good thing1745

what the doctor ordered1873

just the job1943

1745 Duke of Newcastle Let. 3 Aug. in Corr. Dukes Richmond & Newcastle (1984) 169 It would be a good thing for the Publick, but I should much doubt the practicability of it.

1755 A. Stephen Let. 27 Sept. in W. W. Abbot Papers of George Washington (1983) II 64 It would be a good thing to have Shoe-packs or Moccosons for the Scouts.

1759 London Chron. 6 89/2 It has been observed, that it would be a good thing to teach the manual exercise of a soldier in academies.

1760 Mod. Part Universal Hist. XXII. ii. 343 Sir Robert applied himself to the judge of the people, who at the first word declared that peace was a good thing.

1787 Parl. Reg. 1781–96 XXI. 455 The Major concluded, that the opium contract was a good thing.

1833 H. Martineau French Wines & Politics v. 80 Now tell me..whether you think it a good thing or not that there should be a scarcity of wine?

1866 ‘J. H. St. A.’ tr. J. C. von Schmid Basket of Flowers xvii. 137 She has deceived my lady long enough, it is a good thing she is found out at last.

1883 Harper's Mag. Aug. 481/2 It would be a good thing if the politicians would clam-bake and barbecue, and make no speeches.

1897 Sears, Roebuck Catal. No. 104. 198/2 This Shoe we have called ‘A Good Thing’, because the name signifies just what we believe the shoe is.

1930 W. C. Sellar & R. J. Yeatman 1066 & All That i. 3 The Roman Conquest was..a Good Thing, since the Britons were only natives at that time.

1930 W. C. Sellar & R. J. Yeatman 1066 & All That xxi. 29 Simon de Montfort, though only a Frenchman, was..a Good Thing.

1942 E. Waugh Put out More Flags iii. 213 He..had a liking for books; he thought them a Good Thing.

1960 Guardian 26 Aug. 8/6 We all believe that group counselling..[is] a ‘good thing’.

2003 Independent on Sunday 15 June i. 4/5 That her partner chooses not to read her blog is ‘probably a good thing’, she said.

Phrases

P1. too much of a good thing: an excessive, and hence detrimental, amount of something which is desirable and beneficial in moderation.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > sufficient quantity, amount, or degree > excessive amount or degree > excessively [phrase] > that which is excessive

too much of a good thinga1616

a bit thick1884

a trifle much1930

a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) iv. i. 115 Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing .

1691 W. Mountfort Greenwich-Park iv. iv. 46 We Women can never have too much of a good thing, come Neice, your health.

1707 W. Oliver Pract. Diss. Bath Waters vii. 36 Some may take two Quarts; few Constitutions require more, for 'tis possible to take too much of a good thing.

1809 S. Smith Wks. (1867) I. 175 This (to use a very colloquial phrase) is surely too much of a good thing.

1852 E. C. Gaskell Let. 4 Sept. (1966) 197 We went at ¹/ ₂ p. 9, & did not get out till ¹/ ₄ to 4, which was too much of a good thing.

1895 S. Crane Red Badge of Courage vi. 66 This is too much of a good thing! Why can't somebody send us supports?

1954 J. R. R. Tolkien Fellowship of Ring i. i. 29 Some..shook their heads and thought this was too much of a good thing.

2005 C. Tudge Secret Life Trees xiv. 377 As with every input..there can be too much of a good thing.

P2. to know a good thing when one sees it and variants: to be able to recognize a situation, person, object, etc., as being desirable or worthy of appreciation.

ΚΠ

1770 Weekly Mag. 8 Nov. 162 Great things ought to be ushered in with a becoming dignity, and not come slap-dash upon people who don't know a good thing when they see it.

1845 N. P. Willis Dashes at Life with Free Pencil iv. 75/1 I am delighted to see that our great comedian, Harry Placide, is up to the lips in success... God bless those southern people—they know a good thing when they see it!

1885 Detroit Free Press 10 Aug. 2/4 The judge knows wheat from chaff, is capable of recognizing a good thing when he sees it.

1910 Homoeopathic Recorder 15 Dec. p. xi Thirty-three copies were taken by the men connected with one bright college where they know a good thing when it is presented.

1955 A. Murray Let. 2 Nov. in R. Ellison & A. Murray Trading Twelves (2000) 102 I saw hog maws and chitterlin's in the Marche Centrale. Man, these Frenchmen know a good thing when they find it.

2011 Daily Gleaner (New Brunswick) (Nexis) 4 Nov. b4 When the Diamondbacks made their offer a few days later, McDonald knew a good thing when he saw it.

P3. colloquial. on to a good thing: in a job or other situation that is pleasant, profitable, or easy; in the position of having an excellent opportunity for success, prosperity, or advantage.

ΚΠ

1873 A. B. Richards So very Human III. xxii. 369 ‘We're on to a good thing’ (whispering) ‘to-night, and no mistake.’

1898 J. D. Brayshaw Slum Silhouettes 100 As luck would have it, I managed to put the old man on to a good thing.

1910 Cent. Mag. July 356/2 She smiled sidelong at the door, as much as to say she had put her master on to a good thing.

1966 T. Frisby There's Girl in my Soup i. i. 20 You're on to a good thing, no complications and no cost.

1987 C. Reid Tea in China Cup ii, in Plays: One (1997) 51 Wey hey, I'm on to a good thing here.

2000 T. Pratchett Truth (2001) 3 All in all, he considered, he was onto a good thing.

P4. Proverb. all good things must come to an end and variants: used to express the impermanent nature of pleasurable situations, events, etc. Also good things cannot last.

ΚΠ

1867 Independent (N.Y.) 22 Aug. 8/3 All good things must have an end in this sublunary state.

1869 Daily Morning Chron. (Washington, D.C.) 19 Jan. 3/5 But all good things must come to an end, even so good a thing as this Irish comedian.

1900 Birmingham Pict. & Dart 16 Mar. 4/2 Good things cannot last for ever, and..Hamilton's excursions are not exceptions to this maxim.

1948 A. J. Cronin Shannon's Way iv. v. 263 All good things come to an end. I must go now and check my wretched linen-room.

1994 M. D. Franceschi Surface Tension xlv. 256 There is always that fear he won't be there, the suspicion that good things can't last.

2011 Sun Herald (Sydney) (Nexis) 18 Sept. 6 All good things have to end, however, and we said goodbye to the vessel in Hong Kong.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2014; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	good thing
释义	good thingn. Brit. /ˌɡʊd ˈθɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈɡʊd ˈˌθɪŋ/ Forms: see good adj., n., adv., and int. and thing n.¹ Origin: Formed within English, by compounding. Etymons: good adj., thing n.¹ Etymology: < good adj. + thing n.¹ 1. In plural. Desirable or pleasurable things generally; luxuries; esp. tasty and appetizing food; treats. In early use chiefly in the good things of this world (also life) (now usually in theological contexts). ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > luxury or luxurious living > [noun] > luxury or luxuries good thingsc1384 delectables1547 luxury1705 the world > food and drink > food > qualities of food > [noun] > delicacy or titbit daintethc1290 daintyc1300 morselc1390 confection1393 delicec1405 delicacya1425 delicatea1475 friandise1484 deliciositiesa1500 daintive1526 junket1538 knack1548 daintrel1575 cate1578 pulpament1600 gaudy1622 regalo1622 daint1633 titbita1641 scitament1656 regale1673 knick-knack1682 nicety1704 bonne bouche1721 diablotin1770 sunket1788 regalement1795 confiture1802 bon-bon1821 sock1825 delicatessen1853 good things1861 tiddlywinks1893 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Luke i. 53 He hath fillid hungry men with goode thingis [L. bonis], and he hath left ryche men voyde. 1487 W. Caxton tr. J. Legrand Bk. Good Maners i. v. sig. biii^v Saul also had receyued many good thynges of Dauyd and neuertheles he wold haue slayne hym. 1533 tr. Erasmus Enchiridion Militis Christiani xxxv. sig. R.viii The mynde of man, which is wyder & larger of capacite than that it can be suffysed with al the good thynges of this worlde. 1567 T. Drant tr. Horace Pistles in tr. Horace Arte of Poetrie sig. E.vi^v Many men do luste To eate good things. 1588 J. Udall True Remedie iii. f. 46^v The Israelites beganne to waxe fat wyth the good things of this life. 1632 J. Mabbe tr. J. de Santa Maria Policie Unveiled xxvii. 281 I will inioy the good things of this world, by which are vnderstood all sortes of delights, and pleasures, as eating, drinking, intertainments, recreations, sportes, and pastimes. 1675 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Odysses iv. 36 Another on the Table laid good things. Another Bread. 1713 N. Walter Disc. conc. Wonderfulness of Christ xii. 186 A Feast of good things for the entertainment of his Spouse! 1755 Connoisseur No. 88 (1756) 531 The generality of writers are by the frowns of fortune debarred from possessing a profuse share of the good things of this world. 1821 P. Egan Life in London i. iv. 58 Tom was born to be a happy fellow, if the enjoyment of the ‘good things’ of this world could have made him so. 1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 414 The German relished for his ‘mornin’ the good things..here provided. 1888 J. W. Burgon Lives Twelve Good Men II. v. 29 He would partake freely of the good things before him. 1901 W. Elliott Life Jesus Christ (1908) xlv. 363 It is God's will that we shall first receive the good things of this life from His hands. 1920 F. J. Mills Cheer Up 25 The Cheer-Ups—150 strong—arrived with baskets of good things, including oranges and early peaches. 1992 Oldie 21 Feb. 41/2 This one had delectable rosy beef, smoked salmon, Thai chicken and no end of good things. 2. A witty comment or remark; a bon mot. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > wit with words > [noun] > instance of crank1594 wits, fits, and fancies1595 jerk1598 quirk1600 tongue-squib1628 dictery1632 repartee1637 quip1645 good thing1671 bon mot1735 a play on (also upon) words1761 sally1781 wordplay1794 southboarda1805 mot1813 smartism1830 1671 T. Shadwell Humorists ii. 25 What does this dull Sot hope for, that does not say two good things in a day. 1694 W. Congreve Double-dealer i. i. 2 The Deuce take me if there were three good things said. 1753 J. Collier Ess. Art of Tormenting 198 Tom Neverout, who doats on being thought a wit, should look pleased with the approbation of the company for having said a good thing. 1775 S. Johnson Let. 23 June (1992) II. 233 I hope you..heard musick, and said good things. 1807 Salmagundi 18 Apr. 146 He could not for the soul of him restrain a good thing. 1840 W. M. Thackeray Paris Sketch Bk. I. 171 When we say a good thing, in the course of the night, we are wondrous lucky and pleased. 1900 Trans. Colonial Soc. Mass. 1895–7 3 487 In familiar intercourse he was one of the most engaging of companions, brilliant in conversation, sparkling with good things, and receptive of the good things of others. 1927 C. Harris Happy Pilgrimage v. 133 Who among us will ever again grin appreciatively at that idiotic British way of saying a good thing. 2000 R. Slotkin Abe (2001) i. ii. 25 Pap and Uncle Sparrow talked some: Uncle real friendly, smiling and shaking his head, even slapping the table if Pap come near saying a good thing. 3. a. Chiefly Horse Racing. A likely success; an excellent opportunity for gain; spec. a horse that is very likely to win a race; a certainty. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by purpose used for > [noun] > racehorse > favourite good thing1735 favourite1813 pea1888 cert1889 selection1901 nap1926 nap selection1927 stickout1930 shoo-in1950 1735 Gentleman's Mag. 5 p. iv Mr Urban, said he, you have one good thing be sure stick to that. 1796 Proc. Old Bailey 17 Feb. 373/2 Don't fail to write, for this also is a good thing, and will now be properly managed. 1831 Times 8 Jan. He would put them into a good thing if they would give him share. 1851 Racing Times 14 Oct. 267/2 These coves..thinks they has got a good thing. 1888 H. James Reverberator ii. 35 He had a genius for happy speculation, the quick, unerring instinct of a ‘good thing’. 1913 Field 4 Jan. 26/1 Master at Arms is not a big horse, and with 12 st 7 lb in the saddle he hardly looked like a good thing for the Sunbury Steeplechase. 1971 G. Morgan We are borne On 358 A good magsman can draw money at any time from the racing fraternity,..and the good hearted fellow is promised to be told when the good thing is going to win a race. 2011 Racing Post (Nexis) 23 Dec. 8 The French-bred would look something of a good thing for the race. †b. A great financial success, esp. a successful bet. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [noun] > one who or that which is successful > that which is successful success1667 good thing1764 go1780 out1843 winner1913 success story1925 socko1937 gangbuster1946 bomb1954 1764 Gentleman's & London Mag. Jan. 57/2 I speak plainly, it must be made a good thing to justify me for leaving my friends. 1795 Sporting Mag. May 64/2 If you will find money, for I have none,..I will find skill, and you shall have a good thing. 1820 Examiner No. 633. 351/2 You must have made a good thing of it if you have got the 1000l. 1883 M. E. Kennard Right Sort (1884) v. 51 Now and again..Jack Clinker managed to pull off some ‘good thing’ on the turf. 4. A course of action or state of affairs that is desirable or beneficial; a person who or thing which is commendable. Frequently as complement to non-referential it and followed by a subordinate clause or infinitive clause expressing the beneficial circumstances. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > an advantage, benefit, or favourable circumstance > a benefit > that makes happy or prosperous > a beneficial or desirable thing good thing1745 what the doctor ordered1873 just the job1943 1745 Duke of Newcastle Let. 3 Aug. in Corr. Dukes Richmond & Newcastle (1984) 169 It would be a good thing for the Publick, but I should much doubt the practicability of it. 1755 A. Stephen Let. 27 Sept. in W. W. Abbot Papers of George Washington (1983) II 64 It would be a good thing to have Shoe-packs or Moccosons for the Scouts. 1759 London Chron. 6 89/2 It has been observed, that it would be a good thing to teach the manual exercise of a soldier in academies. 1760 Mod. Part Universal Hist. XXII. ii. 343 Sir Robert applied himself to the judge of the people, who at the first word declared that peace was a good thing. 1787 Parl. Reg. 1781–96 XXI. 455 The Major concluded, that the opium contract was a good thing. 1833 H. Martineau French Wines & Politics v. 80 Now tell me..whether you think it a good thing or not that there should be a scarcity of wine? 1866 ‘J. H. St. A.’ tr. J. C. von Schmid Basket of Flowers xvii. 137 She has deceived my lady long enough, it is a good thing she is found out at last. 1883 Harper's Mag. Aug. 481/2 It would be a good thing if the politicians would clam-bake and barbecue, and make no speeches. 1897 Sears, Roebuck Catal. No. 104. 198/2 This Shoe we have called ‘A Good Thing’, because the name signifies just what we believe the shoe is. 1930 W. C. Sellar & R. J. Yeatman 1066 & All That i. 3 The Roman Conquest was..a Good Thing, since the Britons were only natives at that time. 1930 W. C. Sellar & R. J. Yeatman 1066 & All That xxi. 29 Simon de Montfort, though only a Frenchman, was..a Good Thing. 1942 E. Waugh Put out More Flags iii. 213 He..had a liking for books; he thought them a Good Thing. 1960 Guardian 26 Aug. 8/6 We all believe that group counselling..[is] a ‘good thing’. 2003 Independent on Sunday 15 June i. 4/5 That her partner chooses not to read her blog is ‘probably a good thing’, she said. Phrases P1. too much of a good thing: an excessive, and hence detrimental, amount of something which is desirable and beneficial in moderation. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > sufficient quantity, amount, or degree > excessive amount or degree > excessively [phrase] > that which is excessive too much of a good thinga1616 a bit thick1884 a trifle much1930 a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) iv. i. 115 Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing . View more context for this quotation 1691 W. Mountfort Greenwich-Park iv. iv. 46 We Women can never have too much of a good thing, come Neice, your health. 1707 W. Oliver Pract. Diss. Bath Waters vii. 36 Some may take two Quarts; few Constitutions require more, for 'tis possible to take too much of a good thing. 1809 S. Smith Wks. (1867) I. 175 This (to use a very colloquial phrase) is surely too much of a good thing. 1852 E. C. Gaskell Let. 4 Sept. (1966) 197 We went at ¹/ ₂ p. 9, & did not get out till ¹/ ₄ to 4, which was too much of a good thing. 1895 S. Crane Red Badge of Courage vi. 66 This is too much of a good thing! Why can't somebody send us supports? 1954 J. R. R. Tolkien Fellowship of Ring i. i. 29 Some..shook their heads and thought this was too much of a good thing. 2005 C. Tudge Secret Life Trees xiv. 377 As with every input..there can be too much of a good thing. P2. to know a good thing when one sees it and variants: to be able to recognize a situation, person, object, etc., as being desirable or worthy of appreciation. ΚΠ 1770 Weekly Mag. 8 Nov. 162 Great things ought to be ushered in with a becoming dignity, and not come slap-dash upon people who don't know a good thing when they see it. 1845 N. P. Willis Dashes at Life with Free Pencil iv. 75/1 I am delighted to see that our great comedian, Harry Placide, is up to the lips in success... God bless those southern people—they know a good thing when they see it! 1885 Detroit Free Press 10 Aug. 2/4 The judge knows wheat from chaff, is capable of recognizing a good thing when he sees it. 1910 Homoeopathic Recorder 15 Dec. p. xi Thirty-three copies were taken by the men connected with one bright college where they know a good thing when it is presented. 1955 A. Murray Let. 2 Nov. in R. Ellison & A. Murray Trading Twelves (2000) 102 I saw hog maws and chitterlin's in the Marche Centrale. Man, these Frenchmen know a good thing when they find it. 2011 Daily Gleaner (New Brunswick) (Nexis) 4 Nov. b4 When the Diamondbacks made their offer a few days later, McDonald knew a good thing when he saw it. P3. colloquial. on to a good thing: in a job or other situation that is pleasant, profitable, or easy; in the position of having an excellent opportunity for success, prosperity, or advantage. ΚΠ 1873 A. B. Richards So very Human III. xxii. 369 ‘We're on to a good thing’ (whispering) ‘to-night, and no mistake.’ 1898 J. D. Brayshaw Slum Silhouettes 100 As luck would have it, I managed to put the old man on to a good thing. 1910 Cent. Mag. July 356/2 She smiled sidelong at the door, as much as to say she had put her master on to a good thing. 1966 T. Frisby There's Girl in my Soup i. i. 20 You're on to a good thing, no complications and no cost. 1987 C. Reid Tea in China Cup ii, in Plays: One (1997) 51 Wey hey, I'm on to a good thing here. 2000 T. Pratchett Truth (2001) 3 All in all, he considered, he was onto a good thing. P4. Proverb. all good things must come to an end and variants: used to express the impermanent nature of pleasurable situations, events, etc. Also good things cannot last. ΚΠ 1867 Independent (N.Y.) 22 Aug. 8/3 All good things must have an end in this sublunary state. 1869 Daily Morning Chron. (Washington, D.C.) 19 Jan. 3/5 But all good things must come to an end, even so good a thing as this Irish comedian. 1900 Birmingham Pict. & Dart 16 Mar. 4/2 Good things cannot last for ever, and..Hamilton's excursions are not exceptions to this maxim. 1948 A. J. Cronin Shannon's Way iv. v. 263 All good things come to an end. I must go now and check my wretched linen-room. 1994 M. D. Franceschi Surface Tension xlv. 256 There is always that fear he won't be there, the suspicion that good things can't last. 2011 Sun Herald (Sydney) (Nexis) 18 Sept. 6 All good things have to end, however, and we said goodbye to the vessel in Hong Kong. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2014; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.c1384
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