2

Suppose we want to organize a study group of no more than five people but it turns out that seven people want to join in. In this case, the leader says:

We only need five people in this study group. Seven people _____.

Here I don't want to use "are too many". I want to put an expression weaker than "too many".

Improve this question
1
  • Thanks, but please consider waiting longer before accepting.
    – Em.
    Apr 21, 2017 at 4:34

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

I think a bit (too) much or a little (too) much might work here. I couldn't find an entry for a little (too) much, but it should be equivalent to a bit (too) much.

a bit much in American English
too much
(Collins Dictionary)

Warning! Sometimes the phrases are used to show that you are annoyed or displeased with something or someone. It can also mean you think something or someone was unreasonable or unfair.

  • a bit much
    phrase
    If you say that something is a bit much, you are annoyed because you think someone has behaved in an unreasonable way.
    [informal , feelings]
    • Her stage outfit of hot pants, over-the-knee boots and a tube top was a bit much.
    (Collins Dictionary)
  • a bit (too) much
    unreasonable or unfair
    I think it's a bit much to expect anyone to play three tennis matches in one day. Bill went at four in the morning and had to wait four hours to get in, but that was just a bit too much for me.
    (TFD)
  • a bit much
    mod. more than enough; more than good taste allows.
    That was a bit much, Paul. After all there is such a thing as good taste.
    (TFD)
Improve this answer
2
  • Is there a euphemistic way to say it without leaving people the impression that I am annoyed?
    – No One
    Apr 21, 2017 at 18:37
  • I don't think it sounds "annoyed", especially if you say it in a nice tone. I think it sounds softer than "are too many", which is what I think you meant by "weaker".
    – Em.
    Apr 21, 2017 at 18:53
0

Since we're talking about individuals we can say a few too many.

P.S. It's not clear what your intentions are in trying to find a "weaker" version of "too many".

Improve this answer
3
  • Actually I am looking for a euphemistic way to say it without leaving people the impression that I am annoyed.
    – No One
    Apr 21, 2017 at 18:37
  • So you want to turn away some people but in a good-natured way?
    – TimR
    Apr 21, 2017 at 18:38
  • Something like that~~~the way politicians usually do.
    – No One
    Apr 21, 2017 at 23:14

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .