laying it on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laying it on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is exaggerating or being overly flattering in their praise or criticism. Example: "He was really laying it on thick when he complimented her presentation, making it hard to tell if he was sincere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Granted, the band is at its best when laying it on thick, and taken one by one, "Pura Vida Conspiracy" has its share of gung-ho anthems.

Los Angeles Times

On a recent day, his lab manager, Thomas Andrews, anesthetized an 8-week-old mouse before laying it on its back on a heated board.

The Washington Post

Laying it on its side usually gives the best view.

WikiHow

Laying it on a bit thick, Chávez heralded Chomsky as "one of the greatest defenders of peace, one of the greatest pioneers of a better world".

Huffington Post

That's laying it on thick.

The New Yorker

Is that laying it on a bit thick?

The New Yorker

Perhaps you are laying it on a bit thick.

The New York Times

People, would you consider this laying it on too thick?

The New York Times

"He's laying it on pretty thick," she said.

The New York Times - Books

We're laying it on the line — there's no laying back".

The New York Times - Sports

"Well, Liz," Marlon said, laying it on thick, "let me enlighten you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laying it on" to describe situations where someone is exaggerating or being overly dramatic for effect. For example: "The politician was really "laying it on" thick during his speech to gain support."

Common error

Avoid using "laying it on" in formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "emphasizing" or "highlighting" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laying it on" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression. It describes the act of exaggerating something, whether it's praise, blame, or effort. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its versatile application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

14%

Science

37%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laying it on" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe exaggeration or insincerity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, primarily in news and media, as well as informal contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid using "laying it on" in formal or professional settings, opting for alternatives like "emphasizing" or "exaggerating" as needed. When you want to spice up an informal situation with vivid colorfulness, you might choose this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piling it on

Similar to "laying it on" but often used in the context of blame or criticism.

overdoing it

Emphasizes exceeding a reasonable limit or degree.

going overboard

Indicates exceeding a reasonable limit in enthusiasm or action.

making a big deal out of it

Suggests an overreaction or undue attention to something.

exaggerating

Focuses on the act of overstating something.

overemphasizing

Focuses on giving undue importance or stress to something.

hamming it up

Suggests an overly theatrical or exaggerated performance.

using hyperbole

Highlights the use of exaggerated language for effect.

putting on a show

Highlights the performative aspect, often implying insincerity.

stretching the truth

Implies a deviation from facts, often to make a point more dramatic.

FAQs

What does "laying it on" mean?

"Laying it on" is an idiomatic expression that means to exaggerate something, either in praise or criticism. It can also mean to put on a false display of emotion or effort.

What can I say instead of "laying it on"?

Alternatives to "laying it on" include "exaggerating", "overdoing it", or "piling it on", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "laying it on"?

It's appropriate to use "laying it on" in informal or conversational contexts to describe someone who is being overly dramatic or exaggerating a situation. Avoid it in formal or professional writing.

Is "laying it on thick" the same as "laying it on"?

Yes, "laying it on thick" is a more emphatic version of "laying it on", suggesting an even greater degree of exaggeration or insincerity.