English in a Minute: The More the Merrier

Welcome to English in a Minute! 

Merry means happy! So, what might it mean if someone says, “the more the merrier”? 

A: Dan, do you mind if I bring some friends to your party? 
D: Not at all. The more the merrier! 
A: Awesome! They’re all in my amateur accordion group. We want to play music at your party!
D: Oh. They can’t come.  
A: You just said, “The more the merrier!”
D: I didn’t say, “The more amateur accordion players the merrier.”

“The more the merrier” means that the more people who are at an event, the more fun the event will be. We can use this expression to talk about things too, not just people. For example, the more music the merrier! Usually.