Lay it on thick meaning

"Lay it on thick" means to exaggerate or overemphasize something in order to make a strong impression.


Lay it on thick definitions

Word backwards yal ti no kciht
Part of speech The part of speech of the phrase "lay it on thick" is a verb phrase.
Syllabic division lay it on thick - lay it on thick
Plural The plural of the phrase "lay it on thick" is "lay it on thick." The phrase does not change when used in plural form.
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) a,i,o
Consonants (7) l,y,t,n,h,c,k

When someone is said to "lay it on thick," it means that they are exaggerating or overemphasizing something to the point where it may seem insincere or over the top. This phrase is often used in informal settings to describe someone who is being overly effusive or dramatic in their praise or flattery.

Origin of the Phrase

The origins of the phrase "lay it on thick" are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have its roots in the early 19th century. The word "lay" in this context likely refers to the act of applying something in a thick or heavy manner, while "thick" suggests an excessive or exaggerated amount of something.

Examples of Usage

People may use the phrase "lay it on thick" in a variety of situations. For example, if someone is complimenting another person but seems to be going overboard with their praise, you might say that they are "laying it on thick." This could also apply to someone who is trying to sell you something and is using overly enthusiastic language to persuade you.

Alternative Expressions

There are several other phrases that convey a similar meaning to "lay it on thick." Some examples include "lay it on with a trowel," "pour it on," or "butter someone up." These expressions all suggest the idea of excessive flattery or exaggeration in communication.

Overall, when someone is said to "lay it on thick," it often implies a sense of insincerity or over-dramatization. It is a colorful and expressive way to describe someone who is being overly enthusiastic or exaggerated in their words or actions.


Lay it on thick Examples

  1. She really knows how to lay it on thick when she wants something from her parents.
  2. The salesperson tried to lay it on thick to convince me to buy the more expensive product.
  3. He always lays it on thick when complimenting his boss in hopes of getting a promotion.
  4. The politician started to lay it on thick during the debate in an attempt to gain more supporters.
  5. The actor tends to lay it on thick during emotional scenes to really connect with the audience.
  6. She decided to lay it on thick with her apologies to show how truly remorseful she was.
  7. The student tried to lay it on thick with the professor to get an extension on the assignment.
  8. The comedian always lays it on thick with his jokes to elicit the most laughs from the audience.
  9. The chef tends to lay it on thick with the seasoning to ensure the dish is full of flavor.
  10. The author laid it on thick with the descriptions to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind.


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  • Updated 05/04/2024 - 00:02:12