Gild the lily

usgb
verb

To add unnecessary ornamentation or embellishment to something already beautiful or perfect.

The garden is gorgous naturally; adding decorations would be gilding the lily.
Visual representation of "gild the lily" - To add unnecessary ornamentation or embellishment to something already beautiful or perfect.

Often appears as...

  • unnecessarily gild the lily
  • risk of gilding the lily

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "gild the lily"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

It's used metaphorically to describe overdoing or excessive enhancement of something already sufficient or perfect.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Printing her award on golden paper would be gilding the lily.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Nuance

The phrase usually suggests that the excess is somewhat negative or unnecessary.

Illustration for Negative Nuance
He was already praised by everyone; the speech in his honor gilded the lily.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cautious Usage

Avoid using it to describe situations where improvements or enhancements are genuinely needed.

Illustration for Cautious Usage
Instead of helping, his extra explanations gilded the lily and caused more confusion.
Visual representation of the word "Gild the lily"

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