Over-egg the pudding

verb

Doing more than necessary; adding too much of something, especially when it's already enough or perfect.

I think you might be over-egging the pudding with that style. It's too flashy for a simple dinner.
Visual representation of "over-egg the pudding" - Doing more than necessary; adding too much of something, especially when it's already enough or perfect.

Often appears as...

  • don't over-egg the pudding
  • risk of over-egging the pudding

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

verb

Doing more than necessary; adding too much of something, especially when it's already enough or perfect.

I think you might be over-egging the pudding with that style. It's too flashy for a simple dinner.
Visual representation of "over-egg the pudding" - Doing more than necessary; adding too much of something, especially when it's already enough or perfect.

Often appears as...

  • don't over-egg the pudding
  • risk of over-egging the pudding

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "over-egg the pudding"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Excessive Effort

Use the phrase to suggest someone is putting in more effort than needed, often in a subtle way.

Illustration for Excessive Effort
You've rehearsed your speech ten times; you're over-egging the pudding now.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subtle Caution

It's a polite way to caution someone against doing too much without being too direct.

Illustration for Subtle Caution
Be careful not to over-egg the pudding with those decorations; simplicity often wins.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

Primarily used in the UK, it may not be understood by English speakers from other cultures.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
When I said 'over-egg the pudding' in the States, they looked confused.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Excessive Effort

Use the phrase to suggest someone is putting in more effort than needed, often in a subtle way.

Illustration for Excessive Effort
You've rehearsed your speech ten times; you're over-egging the pudding now.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subtle Caution

It's a polite way to caution someone against doing too much without being too direct.

Illustration for Subtle Caution
Be careful not to over-egg the pudding with those decorations; simplicity often wins.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

Primarily used in the UK, it may not be understood by English speakers from other cultures.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
When I said 'over-egg the pudding' in the States, they looked confused.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Excessive Effort

Use the phrase to suggest someone is putting in more effort than needed, often in a subtle way.

Illustration for Excessive Effort
You've rehearsed your speech ten times; you're over-egging the pudding now.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subtle Caution

It's a polite way to caution someone against doing too much without being too direct.

Illustration for Subtle Caution
Be careful not to over-egg the pudding with those decorations; simplicity often wins.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

Primarily used in the UK, it may not be understood by English speakers from other cultures.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
When I said 'over-egg the pudding' in the States, they looked confused.
Visual representation of the word "Over-egg the pudding"

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