toujours perdrix

[too-zhoor per-dree]

French.

1. too much of a good thing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of toujours perdrix¹

First recorded in 1810–20; literally, “always partridge” (the meaning “too much of a good thing” refers to how a person might tire of eating something they love if that is all they eat)

Example Sentences

Truly, toujours perdrix is endurable by comparison with Always Home Rule.

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"I am: 'Variety is charming,' says the proverb; and here you know it is toujours perdrix!"

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When we recall how one revolts against "toujours perdrix," and how the London apprentices rebelled against being expected to eat salmon four days a week, we see that there is abundant welcome in the world for the steady workman, the diligent official, the succulent sirloin, the fragrant bloater.

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The review appears in the “Round Table.” toujours perdrix, “always partridges,” alluding to a story of a French king, who, on being reproved by his confessor for faithlessness to his wife, punished the offender by causing him to be fed on nothing but his favorite dish, which was partridge.

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The ordinary cook flies at once to Worcestershire or Harvey sauce, which are excellent at times, but "toujours perdrix" is not always welcome.

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