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excess

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excess baggage

1. Literally, travel luggage that exceeds the dimensions of size or weight normally allowed on a plane or train, usually requiring a fee for it to be allowed onboard. My suitcase was only slightly over the weight limit, but the airline clerk still insisted on labeling my suitcase as excess baggage and slapping me with a fine.

2. Any person or thing that is unnecessary or unwanted and thus is or becomes burdensome. I know it's ungenerous, but Martin's younger brother has been nothing but excess baggage since we agreed to let him live with us.

3. A personal history, emotional disposition, or traumatic experience that is or becomes debilitating or burdensome in life. He carried the excess baggage of his abusive parents with him for years after leaving home. Her reclusiveness has become real excess baggage for her in recent months.

See also: baggage, excess

in excess of

Over; greater or more than. The retail giant predicts earnings for the past year in excess of $4 million.

See also: excess, of

do something to excess

to do too much of something; to consume too much of something. Anne often drinks to excess at parties. John smokes to excess when he works.

See also: excess

drink to excess

Euph. to drink too much alcohol; to drink alcohol continually. Mr. Franklin drinks to excess. Some people drink to excess only at parties.

See also: drink, excess

carry too far

Also, carry to excess. Extend too much in a single direction, as in One can carry the concept of mercy too far; these young thugs should be punished, or Humor in a sermon can be carried to excess. [Early 1700s]

See also: carry, far

in excess of

Greater than, more than, as in The book sold in excess of a million copies. [Early 1600s]

See also: excess, of

in excess of

Greater than; more than: unit sales in excess of 20 million.

See also: excess, of