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Region: General | Usage example: The extra data gilded the lily on the clean report.

Gild the lily

Meaning

Add unnecessary embellishment.

Usage

Used when cautioning against excess.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

From Shakespeare, warning against overdoing beauty.

Mentioned in Henry VIII, 1623.

Related Idioms

Jump through hoops

Do complicated or unnecessary tasks to achieve something.

Fifth wheel

An unnecessary or redundant person.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.