Synonyms

lay it on thick

Idioms

Also, lay it on with a trowel. Exaggerate, overstate; also, flatter effusively. For example, Jane laid it on thick when she said this was the greatest book she'd ever read, or Tom thought he'd get the senator to waive the speaker's fee if he just laid it on with a trowel. This idiom alludes to applying a thick coat of paint or plaster. [c. 1600]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She tried to lay it on thick, telling the aide about the connections Waldorf and Sanders shared.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

“We are going to lay it on thick for her,” read one text from Howard.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2024

And sheesh, does the lead sponsor, Pennsylvania Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, lay it on thick.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2024

McCarthy knows that we know that he knows that he can lay it on thick.

From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2022

Don’t spare the butter; lay it on thick.

From The Young Fur Traders by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023