GILD THE LILY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does gild the lily mean? 

• GILD THE LILY (verb)
  The verb GILD THE LILY has 2 senses:

1. adorn unnecessarily (something that is already beautiful)

2. make unnecessary additions to what is already complete

  Familiarity information: GILD THE LILY used as a verb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• GILD THE LILY (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Adorn unnecessarily (something that is already beautiful)

Classified under:

Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing

Synonyms:

gild the lily; paint the lily

Hypernyms (to "gild the lily" is one way to...):

adorn; beautify; decorate; embellish; grace; ornament (make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s

Sense 2

Meaning:

Make unnecessary additions to what is already complete

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

gild the lily; paint the lily

Hypernyms (to "gild the lily" is one way to...):

add (make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s