PhrasesHub

Lay it on with a trowel

    Definitions

      • exaggerate
        To overemphasize or embellish something, often to the point of being insincere or overly dramatic

      • flatter excessively
        To praise or compliment someone in an excessive or insincere manner

    Examples of Lay it on with a trowel

    • The salesperson tried to lay on the charm with a trowel when he met with potential investors.

      This idiom means that the salesperson made an overly exaggerated effort to charm the investors. Using the phrase "lay on with a trowel" emphasizes that the salesperson's efforts were overly excessive, as if they were trying to apply a thick layer of something with a shovel-like tool.

    • The teacher laid on the lectures with a trowel during the final exam review, leaving the students overwhelmed and exhausted.

      This idiom means that the teacher explained the material excessively and in an exaggerated manner during the exam review session. "Laying on" implies that the teacher was overly insistent, as if applying a thick layer of something with a shovel-like tool.

    • When my sister moved into her new apartment, her roommate "laid it on with a trowel" by bringing over a dozen houseplants as a welcome gift.

      This idiom means that the roommate went over the top with the gift, bringing an excessive amount of houseplants that were difficult to handle or place. "Laying it on with a trowel" implies that the roommate's gift-giving efforts were overly exaggerated, as if they were trying to apply a thick layer of something with a shovel-like tool.

    • The interviewer laid on the pressure with a trowel, grilling the job candidate with tough questions and demanding detailed answers.

      This idiom means that the interviewer applied intense pressure during the interview process, asking challenging questions and expecting detailed responses. "Laying on" implies that the interviewer was overly insistent, as if applying a thick layer of something with a shovel-like tool.

    • The salesman tried to lay on the charm during the presentation, hoping to close the deal.

      The salesman used excessive flattery and attention to try to persuade the customer to make a purchase. The expression "lay it on with a trowel" implies that someone is being overly enthusiastic or eager, perhaps to the point of being insincere.

    • Maria's grandmother loved to lay on the stories about her youth, regaling her grandchildren with tales of adventure and romance.

      Maria's grandmother enjoyed telling long, detailed stories, sometimes embellishing or exaggerating the facts. The phrase "lay it on with a trowel" conveys that she did this quite frequently and perhaps excessively.

    • The politicians laid on the rhetoric during the debate, trying to outdo each other in their passion and conviction.

      The politicians used exaggerated language and dramatic gestures to try to impress the audience and make themselves appear more persuasive. The expression "lay it on with a trowel" emphasizes the intensity and emphatic nature of their speeches.

    • The director laid on the special effects for the movie, hoping to create a more immersive experience for the audience.

      The director used a lot of computer-generated imagery and other special effects to try to make the movie more exciting and visually appealing. The phrase "lay it on with a trowel" indicates that she used these techniques quite liberally, perhaps to the point of excess or redundancy.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "lay it on with a trowel" is used to describe the act of exaggerating or flattery. It can be used to caution against overemphasizing something or to describe insincere praise.

    Origin of "Lay it on with a trowel"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the use of a trowel, a tool used for spreading and smoothing materials like plaster or mortar. When someone "lays it on with a trowel," they are figuratively spreading something on thick, just as one would spread plaster or mortar with a trowel. This could be seen as an excessive or heavy-handed approach, leading to the association with exaggeration and insincere flattery.

    The idiom likely originated in the 19th or early 20th century, when the use of trowels in construction and masonry was common. Over time, the phrase evolved to its current meaning, capturing the idea of over-the-top embellishment or praise. Examples of the idiom can be found in literature and spoken language, demonstrating its enduring relevance in English-speaking cultures.