Lay It On With A Trowel

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /leɪ ɪt ɒn wɪð ə ˈtraʊəl/

Definitions of lay it on with a trowel

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

Example Sentences

A1 She always compliments me, but sometimes she lays it on with a trowel.

A2 He tends to exaggerate a lot and lays it on with a trowel when telling stories.

B1 The salesman was trying too hard to sell me the product, he really laid it on with a trowel.

B2 The politician's speech was full of empty promises, he really laid it on with a trowel.

C1 The actor's performance was so over-the-top, it felt like he was laying it on with a trowel.

C2 The author's use of melodrama in the novel was excessive, as if he was laying it on with a trowel.

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

Example Sentences

A1 He lay it on with a trowel when complimenting his friend's cooking.

A2 She tends to lay it on with a trowel when telling stories about her adventures.

B1 The salesman always lays it on with a trowel to make the products seem more appealing.

B2 The politician was known for laying it on with a trowel during his speeches to win over the crowd.

C1 The actor's performance was criticized for laying it on with a trowel and lacking subtlety.

C2 The author's writing style is often described as laying it on with a trowel, but some readers appreciate the dramatic flair.

adverb a word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb

Example Sentences

A1 She lay it on with a trowel when complimenting her friend's new haircut.

A2 The salesman laid it on with a trowel to convince the customer to buy the product.

B1 The actor laid it on with a trowel during his emotional monologue.

B2 The politician laid it on with a trowel to gain support for his campaign.

C1 The artist laid it on with a trowel in his latest masterpiece, creating a bold statement.

C2 The author laid it on with a trowel in his writing, using vivid descriptions to captivate the readers.

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

Example Sentences

A1 She told the story with so much exaggeration, it was like she was laying it on with a trowel.

A2 He complimented her cooking skills, but it felt like he was laying it on with a trowel.

B1 The politician's promises seemed too good to be true, like he was laying it on with a trowel.

B2 The salesman's pitch was so over-the-top, it was as if he was laying it on with a trowel.

C1 The director's praise for the lead actor was excessive, it felt like he was laying it on with a trowel.

C2 The artist's use of color in the painting was so bold and vibrant, it seemed like she was laying it on with a trowel.

article a word that is used to specify a noun, such as 'the', 'a', or 'an'

Example Sentences

A1 She always lays it on with a trowel when she compliments people.

A2 The actor laid it on with a trowel during his emotional speech at the awards ceremony.

B1 The salesperson laid it on with a trowel to try and convince the customer to buy the product.

B2 The politician laid it on with a trowel during his campaign speech, promising everything to everyone.

C1 The artist laid it on with a trowel in his latest masterpiece, using bold colors and exaggerated features.

C2 The author laid it on with a trowel in his novel, using flowery language and dramatic descriptions.

Examples of lay it on with a trowel in a Sentence

formal The painter decided to lay it on with a trowel to ensure a thick and even coat of paint.

informal He really laid it on with a trowel when telling his exaggerated fishing story.

slang She always lays it on with a trowel when talking about her accomplishments.

figurative The politician tends to lay it on with a trowel when making promises during the campaign.

Grammatical Forms of lay it on with a trowel

past tense

laid

plural

lay it on with trowels

comparative

laying it on with a thicker trowel

superlative

laying it on with the thickest trowel

present tense

lays it on with a trowel

future tense

will lay it on with a trowel

perfect tense

has laid it on with a trowel

continuous tense

is laying it on with a trowel

singular

lays it on with a trowel

positive degree

lay it on with a trowel

infinitive

to lay it on with a trowel

gerund

laying it on with a trowel

participle

laying it on with a trowel

Origin and Evolution of lay it on with a trowel

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'lay it on with a trowel' originates from the practice of applying plaster or mortar with a trowel, which involves spreading a thick layer of material.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean exaggerating or overemphasizing something, often in a heavy-handed or excessive manner.