moderation in all things

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phraseold-fashioned

   A saying meaning that it is wise not to do anything to excess, whether eating, spending, working or enjoying yourself.

   Grammar: A fixed saying with no changes, usually stands alone as a comment.

   Patterns

   • moderation in all things

   I'll have one slice of cake: moderation in all things.

   My grandfather lived by the rule of moderation in all things.

   Moderation in all things, including advice about moderation, he joked.

Common combinations

believe in moderation in all things

She believes in moderation in all things, even exercise.

live by moderation in all things

He lives by moderation in all things.

remember moderation in all things

Remember moderation in all things at the buffet.

say moderation in all things

My doctor always says moderation in all things.

Synonyms and how they differ

everything in moderation

This is a more common modern wording with the same meaning and no old-fashioned tone.

nothing to excess

This phrase is more formal and warns against going too far rather than encouraging balance.

all things in balance

This focuses on balance between different parts of life, not only on limiting amounts.

Opposites

Word family

moderate adjective

not extreme

moderately adverb

to a medium degree

moderation noun

avoiding extremes

moderate verb

to make less extreme

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “moderation in all things”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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