Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

gilding-the-lily

idiom

/ˈɡɪldɪŋ ðə ˈlɪli/

Definition

To unnecessarily embellish or adorn something that is already beautiful or perfect.

Examples

Adding extra frosting to an already delicious cake is just gilding the lily.
He thought putting a gold frame around the painting was gilding the lily since the artwork was stunning on its own.

Meaning

The phrase describes the act of adding extra decoration or features that serve no real purpose other than to enhance something that is already wonderful.