Lay it on with a trowel

usgb
verb phrase

To exaggerate or overstate something, often for effect.

He laid it on with a trowel, claiming he'd been the best student in his class
Visual representation of "lay it on with a trowel" - To exaggerate or overstate something, often for effect

Often appears as...

  • really lay it on with a trowel
  • don't lay it on with a trowel

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "lay it on with a trowel"
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Informal Use

The phrase is casual and not suitable for formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal Use
When chatting with friends, you might say, 'She really laid it on with a trowel about her vacation.'
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Negative Connotation

The phrase usually implies criticism and suggests someone is being deceitful or insincere.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
After the speech, Lena whispered, 'He was laying it on with a trowel, wasn't he?'
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Visual Imagery

Imagine applying plaster with a trowel; this phrase evokes applying too much, thus 'overdoing' something.

Illustration for Visual Imagery
To portray the actor's bad performance, you might say, 'He laid it on with a trowel in every scene.'
Visual representation of the word "Lay it on with a trowel"

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