English Explanatory Dictionary

take the gilt off the gingerbread

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To take away the most attractive or appealing qualities of something; to destroy an illusion.

Pronunciation

/ˌteɪk ðə ˈɡɪlt ɒf ðə ˈd͡ʒɪn(d͡)ʒəbɹɛd/ /ˌteɪk ðə ˈɡɪlt ɔf ðə ˈd͡ʒɪnd͡ʒɚˌbɹɛd/ En-au-take the gilt off the gingerbread.ogg

Word forms

take the gilt off the gingerbread takes the gilt off the gingerbread taking the gilt off the gingerbread took the gilt off the gingerbread taken the gilt off the gingerbread

Etymology

In the Middle Ages, gingerbread cakes were decorated with a thin layer of gold leaf. Without this casing, they were considered to be humble offerings, generally being little more than flavoured but stale bread.

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