How Do You Spell LAY IT ON WITH A TROWEL?

Pronunciation: [lˈe͡ɪ ɪt ˌɒn wɪð ɐ tɹˈa͡ʊə͡l] (IPA)

The phrase "lay it on with a trowel" means to exaggerate or overemphasize something. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /leɪ ɪt ɒn wɪð ə ˈtraʊəl/. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with no silent letters or irregular spellings. Each letter within the phrase corresponds to a distinct sound in the pronunciation. The phrase likely originated from the practice of laying on thick layers of plaster or mortar with a trowel, which can be a literal overemphasis of materials in construction.

LAY IT ON WITH A TROWEL Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "lay it on with a trowel" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone exaggerates or emphasizes something excessively or excessively flatters someone, often in a way that may be seen as insincere or over-the-top. The phrase is derived from the action of using a trowel, a flat-bladed tool typically used for spreading mortar or plaster, to apply a thick layer of material. In this context, "laying it on" refers to the act of applying an excessive amount of something, while "with a trowel" adds further emphasis to the exaggerated action.

   When someone "lays it on with a trowel," they are typically employing excessive praise, complimenting someone or something to an extreme degree, or exaggerating a story or situation beyond the truth to make it stand out or appear more impressive than it actually is. This phrase is often used to imply that the person doing the exaggerating is insincere or trying too hard to impress or gain favor.

   For instance, if someone tells an incredibly exaggerated story about their accomplishments or constantly showers you with praise that seems insincere, you might jokingly tell them that they are "laying it on with a trowel." In this case, the phrase serves as a metaphorical reminder of the exaggerated and excessive nature of their actions or words.

Common Misspellings for LAY IT ON WITH A TROWEL

• l ay it on with a trowel
• la y it on with a trowel
• lay i t on with a trowel
• lay it o n with a trowel
• lay it on w ith a trowel
• lay it on wi th a trowel
• lay it on wit h a trowel
• lay it on with a t rowel
• lay it on with a tr owel
• lay it on with a tro wel
• lay it on with a trow el
• lay it on with a trowe l

Idioms with the word LAY IT ON WITH A TROWEL

• lay it on with a trowel To exaggerate or overemphasize something, often in a flamboyant or insincere manner.
• lay it on with a trowel, at lay it on a bit thick To "lay it on with a trowel" or "lay it on a bit thick" means to exaggerate or overemphasize something, often in a way that is seen as insincere or excessive. It can also refer to making something seem more impressive or important than it actually is.