Don't Work Too Hard.

Could be either. Depends on context. Are you working too hard? Or are you not working hard enough?

DavefromthefreewayI am a little frustrated by this expression. I have been told this quite a few times in the past and I'm just wondering, is there a deeper meaning to this? Is the person who is telling me this mocking me or is this person actually concerned? I found an ironic story about this >> http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/7823.htm<< but it does not apply to me because it is not at work where i am hearing these comments from. Feel free to discuss...
Lots of love!
Dave

I use the expression quite frequently as a farewell or sign-off with absolutely no rancor or ill-will. The only possible deeper meaning would be "dont get so involved in your work and other obligations that you can't have some fun".

Could be any of the two.

I guess, if my teacher is really evil.

"Don't work too hard" can have two meanings, depending on the context.

On the one hand, if you do truly work longer and more intensely than your peers, "Don't work too hard" can have a kindly connotation, inviting you to balance work with leisure.

On the other hand, if you are generally lazy and work less intensely than your peers, "Don't work too hard" can have a sarcastic connotation, inviting you to balance leisure with work.

The phrase been around for a long time and is simply another way of saying "Take care of yourself".

Thank you!

Finally someone wise because women seem to overthink it and get insulted by the phrase. My wife actually said "so you think my job is easy you think I don't work hard" lol what a Homer