What does "troppo" mean when seen in musical instructions?

In musical instructions, "troppo" is an Italian term that translates to "too much" in English. It is typically used in directives to indicate that a certain aspect of the music should be performed in a more exaggerated manner. For instance, when the term "allegro, ma non troppo" is used, it means to play lively but not too much, suggesting a balance is needed rather than an overwhelming pace. This understanding of "troppo" showcases its role in guiding the performer on how to interpret dynamics, tempo, or even expressive qualities in the music.