Pile on
verb
To add or increase something, often making a situation worse.
He was already running late, and then the traffic started to pile on.
Often appears as...
- pile on the pressure
- pile on the pounds
verb
To criticize someone severely or persistently.
He made a mistake and his colleagues started to pile on him.
Often appears as...
- pile on criticism
- pile on blame
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To climb onto or into something, especially in large numbers.
As soon as the doors opened, people began to pile on the bus.
Often appears as...
- pile on the bus
- pile on the train
verb
To eat a large amount of food, often in a greedy way.
He piled on the food at the buffet dinner.
Often appears as...
- pile on food
- pile on plate
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To add or increase something, often making a situation worse.
He was already running late, and then the traffic started to pile on.
Often appears as...
- pile on the pressure
- pile on the pounds
verb
To criticize someone severely or persistently.
He made a mistake and his colleagues started to pile on him.
Often appears as...
- pile on criticism
- pile on blame
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To climb onto or into something, especially in large numbers.
As soon as the doors opened, people began to pile on the bus.
Often appears as...
- pile on the bus
- pile on the train
verb
To eat a large amount of food, often in a greedy way.
He piled on the food at the buffet dinner.
Often appears as...
- pile on food
- pile on plate
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Worsening Situations
Used when something is contributing to making a situation more difficult or stressful.
Just when I thought I was finished, my boss piled on more work.
Pro Tip 2/2Metaphorical Weight
Imagine each problem as extra weight being added to what you're already carrying.
The criticism from his parents just piled on to his stress.
Pro Tip 1/2Worsening Situations
Used when something is contributing to making a situation more difficult or stressful.
Just when I thought I was finished, my boss piled on more work.
Pro Tip 2/2Metaphorical Weight
Imagine each problem as extra weight being added to what you're already carrying.
The criticism from his parents just piled on to his stress.
Pro Tip 1/2Worsening Situations
Used when something is contributing to making a situation more difficult or stressful.
Just when I thought I was finished, my boss piled on more work.
Pro Tip 2/2Metaphorical Weight
Imagine each problem as extra weight being added to what you're already carrying.
The criticism from his parents just piled on to his stress.
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