Cherries are bitter to the glutted blackbird.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Something desirable can seem unpleasant when a person has already had too much. The full blackbird’s response to cherries illustrates how satisfaction changes appetite.

What the words are saying

Cherries that once attracted the bird now taste bitter because the bird is glutted. The image shifts attention from the object to the condition of the recipient. An offer can lose its appeal through excess, repetition or bad timing without becoming worthless in itself. The saying can encourage someone to pause before adding more of what was previously welcome. It also helps distinguish a temporary reaction from a lasting judgement. People’s preferences have many causes, however, and declining an offer does not prove that they have been indulged or are ungrateful.

Everyday example

After several long celebrations, a friend prefers a quiet evening to another elaborate party.

When to use it

Use it when excess changes the appeal of something enjoyable.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.