English Explanatory Dictionary

gild the lily

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To embellish or improve something unnecessarily.
  2. To add superfluous attributes to something.

Pronunciation

/ˈɡɪld ðə ˈlɪli/ en-us-gild the lily.ogg en-au-gild the lily.ogg

Word forms

gild the lily gilds the lily gilding the lily gilded the lily

Etymology

A common misquotation of a line from William Shakespeare's play King John.

Synonyms

go overboard overegg over-egg the pudding

Related words

gold-plated
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