a little of something goes a long way

Meanings:

• 1.

  Global Englishneutralinformal
  • A small amount of a thing is sufficient to produce a desired or noticeable effect.

• 2.

  Global Englishneutral
  • Used as a warning that too much of something (especially a pleasant thing) can have undesirable or overwhelming consequences.

• 3.

  Global Englishneutralinformal
  • A modest or limited use of something will usually be more effective or appropriate than excess.