Meaning

Lay it on with a trowel

Categorised in: A list of phrases about household items ·Phrases coined by Shakespeare - As You Like It ·135 Phrases coined by William Shakespeare

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Lay it on with a trowel'?

To lay something on with a trowel is to crudely labour a point, or flatter in an overly generous manner.

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What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Lay it on with a trowel’?

From Shakespeare’s As You Like It, 1600.

LE BEAU: Fair princess, you have lost much good sport.
CELIA: Sport! of what colour?
LE BEAU: What colour, madam! how shall I answer you?
ROSALIND: As wit and fortune will.
TOUCHSTONE: Or as the Destinies decree.
CELIA: Well said: that was laid on with a trowel.

Historical trend

“Lay it on with a” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1820–2020).

Lay it on with a