English Reference
Idiom idiom

lay it on thick


To exaggerate or overstate a feeling or emotion.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

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

CONTEXTUAL

The salesman laid it on thick about how much I needed this expensive car, but I knew he just wanted a commission.

COMPLEX

Although the candidate laid it on thick regarding his commitment to the public, the voters remained skeptical of his true intentions.


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

    blood is thicker than water

    Family relations and loyalties are stronger than relationships with people who are not family members.

  4. 04

    come thick and fast

    To arrive rapidly in large groups.

  5. 05

    kill the goose that lays the golden eggs

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

  6. 06

    lay a finger on

    To merely touch.

  7. 07

    lay an anchor to the windward

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

  8. 08

    lay an egg

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

Last updated August 10, 2026