Enough is enough
What's the meaning of the phrase 'Enough is enough'?
To get Enough is enough is to come off worst in a bargain or contest.
What's the origin of the phrase 'Enough is enough'?
The expression 'enough is enough' is old enough to have been considered proverbial in the 16th century. John Heywood included the phrase in his collection of Tudor language A Dialogue conteinyng the nomber in effect of all the Prouerbes in the Englishe tongue, 1546:
Here is enough, I am satisfied (sayde he.)
Sens enough is enough (sayd I) here maie we,
With that one word take end good, as maie be geast.
For folke say, enough is as good as a feast.
Heywood was obliging enough also to include the first known usage of 'enough is as a good as a feast' which, as he implies, is an even older proverb. At that stage 'enough is enough' meant 'enough is good enough, we don't need more' - another way of saying 'enough is as good as a feast' in fact.
'Enough is enough' wasn't commonly used for several centuries until it received a boost in the civil rights and feminist movements in the USA in the 1960s. The meaning is the expression had by then completely changed, 'enough is good - all I need' to 'I had enough of that - no more'.
Since then the use of the expression has grown considerably and now any group who is complaining about anything they want to stop is likely to say, chant or make into a banner 'enough is enough'.
See also: the List of Proverbs.
FAQs
For example, No more speeches—enough is enough, or as Robert Southey put it (The Doctor, 1834): “As for money, enough is enough; no man can enjoy more.” This expression already appeared in John Heywood's proverb collection of 1546 and is often used as an interjection (first example).
What is the meaning of enough meaning of enough? ›
1. : in or to a degree or quantity that satisfies or that is sufficient or necessary for satisfaction : sufficiently.
What is the origin of the word enough? ›
The word "enough" has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Old English word "genōh," which means "sufficient" or "satisfactory." The Old English term "genōh" itself is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*ganôh," which has similar meanings of sufficiency or satisfaction.
Why do we say enough is enough? ›
something you say when you want something to stop: Enough is enough - I don't want to argue with you any more. Our business has been absorbing the price rises, but enough is enough.
What does he who knows that enough is enough mean? ›
This quote means having contentment and being satisfied with what you have will always keep you happy and satisfied. More often than not, people seek unneceessary additional pleasures while already enjoying many luxuries and being well-to-do.
What is the meaning of true enough? ›
correct or accurate but not completely explaining something: It's true enough that he had doubts about the project, but we have to look further to understand why he resigned.
What does the quote you are enough mean? ›
At its core, "you are enough" is a message of self-worth. It means that you, as a person, are valuable and lovable simply because you exist. It's a reminder that you don't have to be perfect, or have everything figured out, or meet anyone else's standards in order to be worthy of love and respect.
What is the rule of enough? ›
Rules for Enough
Place enough directly after the adverb modified when using enough as an adverb to mean to the required degree or extent. Peter drove slowly enough for us to look at all the houses. The students studied carefully enough to do well on the exam.
What is the Hebrew meaning of enough? ›
“Dai” is a Hebrew word that means “enough,” “stop,” or “that's sufficient.” It is used to halt an action or request.
What is the meaning of enough in Oxford dictionary? ›
/ɪˈnʌf/ used before plural or uncountable nouns to mean 'as many or as much as somebody needs or wants' synonym sufficient.
You can use enough to say that something is the case to a moderate or fairly large degree. Winters is a common enough surname. You use enough in expressions such as strangely enough and interestingly enough to indicate that you think a fact is strange or interesting.
What does enough is enough mean in a relationship? ›
One way to know when enough is enough in a relationship is if you realize that your partner does not value you. When couples value each other, their mutual love and respect become stronger. If your partner values you, they will always seek your consent on crucial matters.
At what point do you say enough is enough? ›
It may be time to say enough is enough when you are not respected. In any type of relationship, whether it be a colleague at work, or a family member, and especially in a relationship, respect is crucial. A clear sign that you are not respected is if your boundaries are constantly being crossed.
Have enough of enough is always enough? ›
Lao Tzu Quote: He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.
What does the slang enough said mean? ›
idiom. informal. used in speech to say that one understands what someone is telling him or her and no further information is needed. "Is he in good condition?" "Well, he ran in a marathon last month." "Enough said."
What does good enough is never enough mean? ›
When you have a caring mindset, making a difference in the lives of others becomes second nature. You move from being focused on “me” to being focused on “we”. Each of us can make a difference every day. Choose to make that difference a positive one.
'Enough is enough' wasn't commonly used for several centuries until it received a boost in the civil rights and feminist movements in the USA in the 1960s. The meaning is the expression had by then completely changed, 'enough is good - all I need' to 'I had enough of that - no more'.