- To exaggerate praise, flattery, excuses, emotions, or descriptions excessively, often to the point where it becomes obvious, insincere, or overwhelming.
Explanation
Origin
- The imagery is likely related to applying a substance like paint, butter, or makeup too heavily or thickly.
- Metaphorically, it means applying words, emotions, or justifications in an excessive, heavy-handed manner.
- In use since the early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Pile it on
- Go over the top / OTT (Over The Top)
- Milking it (Exaggerating sympathy or advantage from a situation, often illness or injury)
- Ham it up / Being melodramatic (Exaggerating emotions/acting theatrically)
- Pouring it on (Similar to laying it on thick)
Milder/Standard:
- Exaggerate
- Overdo it
- Be excessive
- Overstate
- Embellish (Often used for stories or descriptions)
- Gush (Express excessive, often insincere, enthusiasm or praise)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. Used to comment on or criticize behavior perceived as excessive or insincere.
- Probably best not to tell your boss they are laying it on thick.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might not grasp the negative judgment implied (excessiveness, probable insincerity). They might think it just means 'to emphasize strongly' or 'to praise a lot'.
Examples
- He was praising the boss's mediocre report, really laying it on thick.
- She apologized profusely, laying it on thick with the tears, but I didn't buy it.
- Okay, you liked the gift, but you don't need to lay it on so thick!
Dialogue
Actor 1 (After a performance): Darling, you were magnificent! Absolutely transcendent! A performance for the ages! I've never seen such brilliance on stage!
Actor 2: (Slightly uncomfortable) Oh, well, thank you. That's... very kind.
Director (To Assistant): He's certainly laying it on thick tonight. Must want Actor 2 to sign onto his next project.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Watching that celebrity apology video... they're really laying it on thick with the remorse. Feels so scripted. 😬 #PR #Insincere
- Facebook Comment: He didn't just compliment her painting, he went on for 5 minutes about her genius. Definitely laying it on thick!
- Reddit Post: My coworker tells the most dramatic 'sick day' stories, really laying it on thick about their symptoms. Anyone else deal with this?
Response Patterns
Often met with skepticism, discomfort, or a gentle request to tone it down.
- Okay, okay, I get it! (Feeling overwhelmed)
- You don't have to lay it on so thick. (Direct feedback)
- Observers might roll their eyes or comment quietly: Talk about laying it on thick.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- People might question the sincerity behind the exaggeration.
- The person hearing the excessive praise/emotion might become suspicious of the speaker's motives.
- The person 'laying it on thick' might not realize they are overdoing it, or they might be doing it intentionally for effect.
Conversation Starter
- No. It describes the *manner* in which someone is speaking or expressing themselves.
Intonation
- Emphasis on LAYING, ON, and THICK.
- Often said with a tone of disbelief, sarcasm, or mild annoyance.
- Wow, he's really LAYING it ON THICK.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.