ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lay it on

idiom
Meaning

To repeatedly say something implied.


Examples
SIMPLE

He really lays it on thick when he wants a favor.

CONTEXTUAL

She laid it on so heavily about how much she needed the promotion that her boss felt uncomfortable.

COMPLEX

By laying it on with such exaggerated praise, the candidate hoped to distract the committee from his obvious lack of experience.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a wild goose never laid a tame egg

    Most things are inherited and predetermined.

  2. 02

    best laid plans

    A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.

  3. 03

    kill the goose that lays the golden eggs

    To seek short-term gain at the sacrifice of long-term profit.

  4. 04

    lay a finger on

    To merely touch.

  5. 05

    lay an anchor to the windward

    To adopt precautionary or anticipatory measures for potential future success or security.

  6. 06

    lay an egg

    To produce a failure or flop; to do something which is unsuccessful.

  7. 07

    lay at someone's door

    To blame (a problem) on someone; to hold someone responsible for (something).

  8. 08

    lay by the heels

    To fetter, to shackle; to imprison.

Last updated April 17, 2026