Lay it on thick

(Exaggerate or overemphasize something)

Originally used in the early 20th century with reference to applying paint or makeup heavily, it later extended to figurative senses of exaggeration and excess.

He always lays it on thick when trying to impress his boss.

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📖 Meanings

1.
To overdo or overstate a point or opinion
2.
To praise or flatter someone excessively
3.
To be overly effusive or insincere
4.
Make something seem more important or impressive than it really is

💬 Examples

1.
Don't lay it on too thick or people will see through your flattery.
2.
The salesperson laid it on thick to convince the customer to buy the product.
3.
The politician laid it on thick during the speech to win over the audience.
4.
She tends to lay it on thick with compliments, even if they're not entirely genuine.

🗞️ Etymology

1.
Reflects the notion of piling on compliments or praise to an exaggerated degree.
2.
The phrase suggests the idea of layering something on in a thick or heavy manner, often implying excess or insincerity.
3.
Often employed in discussions of persuasion, insincerity, or excessive embellishment.
4.
Commonly used in contexts where someone is being overly flattering or dramatic for effect.

🔁 Synonyms

1.
Exaggerate
2.
Flatter excessively
3.
Embellish
4.
Overstate
5.
Gush

🌀 Variants

1.
Put it on thick
2.
Heap on the praise
3.
Slather it on
4.
Lay the compliments on thick
5.
Pile it on thick