candy store problem

English

Etymology

See like a kid in a candy store.

Noun

candy store problem (plural candy store problems)

1. The problem of having too many options available.
   • 1994, UNIX Review, volume 12:

     One engineering-group manager reported that his first attempt at designing a C++ implementation of his application resulted in a "candy store" problem. His people tried to use too many features of C++, and the project had to be restarted.

   • 1997, Communication Arts, numbers 270-272, page 40:

     The Production Candy Store Problem: The money we spend on video effects in TV production is obscene. It astounds me, and scares me, to see otherwise levelheaded ad people spend such big bucks so casually.

   • 2002, Stephen J. Cannell, The Viking Funeral, page 33:

     I tell the guy: Stop crying, this is a candy store problem, 'cause our money is just as green as theirs, and all you gotta do is find the right palm to grease. Give the local rack-jobber his blood money.

See also

• champagne problem
• spoilt for choice