lay it on
phrase
informal
: to speak in a way that is exaggerated and not sincere
You should compliment her cooking but don't lay it on too thick or she'll know you don't mean it.
He laid it on pretty heavily and pretended to be interested in what she said.
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay it on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lay%20it%20on. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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