lay it on with a trowel



lay it on with a trowel

To exaggerate, aggrandize, or overstate some emotional experience, response, or appeal, such as blame, praise, flattery, excuses, etc. Jim carries on as though flattering the boss will get him a promotion, so he's always laying it on with a trowel for her. OK, Bob, I think Mary understands the trouble she's in, no need to lay it on with a trowel.
See also: lay, on, trowel

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Antonie (1)-Czech
Melek (2)-Turkish
ClemencyKLEM-ənt-seeEnglish (Rare)
Sanjin-Croatian
Faraji-Eastern African, Swahili
FÓLki-Ancient Scandinavian