Balance & Moderation: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that taking a break from serious matters to enjoy some playfulness can be beneficial and even wise

"A little fun is good for everyone — a little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men."

"Even the most serious boardrooms benefit from levity — a little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men."

used to suggest that indulging in small amounts of something enjoyable or desired can have positive effects on one's well-being, emphasizing the value of moderation

"Enjoy small treats — a little of what you fancy does you good."

"She allowed herself one indulgence a week, believing a little of what you fancy does you good."

used to imply that it is better to have a modest or moderate amount of something than to have too much of it, which may lead to negative consequences or harm

"A small warm fire is better than a dangerous one — better a little fire to warm us than a great one to burn us."

"A modest but stable income was preferable to high-risk rewards — better a little fire to warm us than a great one to burn us."

used to mean that it is better to take action or complete a task, even if it is delayed, rather than not doing it at all

"You are late, but better late than never!"

"The government finally introduced the reforms — better late than never, according to most analysts."

used to advise that it is acceptable to indulge in eating to one's satisfaction, but it is important to control alcohol intake to avoid harmful effects on one's health

"Eat what you like, but drink carefully — eat at pleasure, drink with measure."

"She enjoyed her meals freely but was disciplined about alcohol — eat at pleasure, drink with measure."

used to suggest that having just enough of something is preferable to having too much of it, emphasizing the value of moderation and contentment over excess

"Having enough is just as good as having a lot — enough is as good as a feast."

"The team had sufficient resources to complete the project — enough is as good as a feast."

used to suggest that having a smaller portion of something can be more beneficial or valuable and less overwhelming or burdensome than having the entire thing

"Sometimes less is more — the half is better than the whole."

"Scaling back the proposal made it far more convincing — the half is better than the whole."

used to imply that even the most pleasurable or enjoyable things can lose their appeal if they are overindulged in or taken to extremes

"Too much of a good thing loses its appeal — honey in excess is no longer sweet."

"The constant praise became meaningless over time — honey in excess is no longer sweet."

used to emphasize that a good leader takes care of those they are responsible for, by taking only what is necessary and not exploiting or harming them

"A good leader takes care of their team — it is part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not skin it."

"Responsible management means getting the best from your team without burning them out — a good shepherd shears his flock, not skins it."

used to suggest that one should not keep more resources, tools, or employees than are necessary to accomplish a task or objective, as it can be wasteful and inefficient

"Only keep what is useful — keep no more cats than can catch mice."

"The organisation was trimmed to only those roles that added real value — keep no more cats than can catch mice."

used to emphasize that moderation and balance are important in all aspects of life

"Do not do too much or too little — there is measure in all things."

"She managed the project carefully, reminding the team that there is measure in all things."

used to emphasize the importance of moderation in eating and treating food as fuel for the body rather than a source of constant pleasure or comfort

"Food is fuel, not pleasure alone — eat to live, not live to eat."

"He was disciplined about his diet, following the principle of eat to live, not live to eat."

used to advise that consistent, small efforts can lead to significant results over time, as regular small savings can accumulate to create a considerable amount of wealth

"Small regular savings add up — little and often fills the purse."

"She invested a small amount every month and watched it grow — little and often fills the purse."

used to suggest that when faced with difficult tasks or challenges, it is easier to tackle them in small, manageable steps rather than trying to handle everything at once

"Big problems are easier one step at a time — life is hard by the yard, but by the inch life is a cinch."

"The complex project felt manageable once broken into small tasks — life is hard by the yard, but by the inch life is a cinch."

used to imply that excess or deficiency in any area can lead to negative consequences, and that finding a proper balance is the key to a healthy and fulfilling life

"Do not overdo anything — moderation in all things."

"The nutritionist advised moderation in all things rather than strict elimination."

used to imply that it is possible to find a balance between satisfying material needs and nurturing one's spiritual or emotional well-being

"Work and prayer are not enemies — meat and mass never hindered man."

"She believed deeply that meat and mass never hindered man and refused to choose between productivity and faith."

used to suggest that if someone only focuses on work and does not take time for leisure activities or enjoyment, they will become boring, uninteresting, and unhappy

"Work is important but so is fun — all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

"The manager introduced team activities after noticing burnout — all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."