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Learn the meaning and usage of the idiom "the more the merrier", which means an occasion will be more enjoyable if a lot of people are there. See examples, synonyms, translations and related words.
May 13, 2024 · Learn the meaning and usage of the idiom "the more the merrier", which means that more people are welcome or invited to do something. See example sentences from recent sources and related words in the dictionary.
‘The more the merrier’ is a famous phrase, but what does it mean? And where – and when – did this saying originate? And what do its origins have to do with a heart-wrenching medieval lament for a dead child?
The More the Merrier is a 1943 American romantic comedy film produced and directed by George Stevens, and starring Jean Arthur, Joel McCrea, and Charles Coburn. The film's script—from Two's a Crowd, an original screenplay by Garson Kanin (uncredited)—was written by Robert Russell, Frank Ross, Richard Flournoy, and Lewis R. Foster.
The more the merrier. This expression was first recorded in 1530, when it was put as "The more the merrier; the fewer, the better fare" (meaning "with fewer there would be more to eat"), an observation that made its way into numerous proverb collections.
“The more the merrier” is often used to welcome those who wish to participate in an activity but hesitate to join in uninvited.
Learn the meaning and origin of the proverbial phrase 'the more the merrier', which means the more people who are present, the better an occasion or situation will be. Find out how John Heywood used it in his 1546 glossary and see related proverbs and idioms.
