Laying it on thick means exaggerating or overstating something, usually to the point of flattery or insincerity. It’s an idiom—words and phrases that don’t have a literal meaning, just figurative ones …

LAY IT ON THICK definition: Also, lay it on with a trowel. Exaggerate, overstate; also, flatter effusively. For example, Jane laid it on thick when she said this was the greatest book she'd ever read, or Tom …

If you lay it on thick, you try to make something seem more important than it really is when you talk or write about it. Gerhardt explained the position to the Press Officer, laying it on thick about Adrian …

If someone is laying it on thick or is laying it on, they are exaggerating a statement, experience, or emotion in order to try to impress people.

Nov 17, 2025 · (idiomatic) To guilt, guilt-trip. Her mother laid it on thick, telling her to call home more often.

What does the idiom 'Lay It On Thick' mean? With a clear, concise definition and usage examples, discover this idiom's meaning and usage in the English language.

The idiom “lay it on thick” is a common expression in English that refers to exaggerating or overemphasizing something, often for dramatic effect. This phrase has been used for many years …

"Lay it on thick" is a widely known idiom in the English language, used to describe the act of exaggerating or overemphasizing something in an insincere or excessive manner.

If someone is laying it on thick or is laying it on, they are exaggerating a statement, experience, or emotion in order to try to impress people.

May 25, 2025 · Discover the meaning behind “lay it on thick,” its origins, and how it’s used in conversations and media. Learn more about this common idiomatic expression.