Phrase guide

lay it on thick

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To exaggerate or overstate a feeling or emotion.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • She really laid it on thick when her pet died.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To flatter.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He knew he needed to lay it on thick in his job interview.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: jolly, make fair weather, tickle the ear, brush up to, collogue, flatter, flatterize, glaver, gloze, lay it on thick, palaver, preen, puff, soothe, speak well of, stroke

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To guilt, guilt-trip.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Her mother laid it on thick, telling her to call home more often.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: dick auftragen — to exaggerate
  • German: dick auftragen — to flatter