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Region: General | Usage example: They kept the design simple because less is more.

Less is more

Meaning

Simplicity can be better than excess.

Usage

Used when advocating restraint.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Modernist architects popularized the phrase in the 20th century.

Attributed to architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Related Idioms

Bite off more than you can chew

Take on more responsibilities than you can handle.

There are plenty more fish in the sea

There are many other opportunities or people.

Better late than never

Doing something after the ideal time is still better than failing to do it at all.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.