Gadit

gilds of the lily

Definitions
1idiomTo unnecessarily add embellishments or decorations to something that is already beautiful or perfect, often making it worse or less authentic.
Adding more glitter to the already sparkling dress is like gilding the lily.
The chef's attempt to add more spices to the perfectly seasoned dish was gilding the lily.
When she added extra flourishes to her speech, it felt like she was gilding the lily.
Word Origin
Language
English
Originally meant
To add unnecessary decoration to something already beautiful.
Background
The phrase 'gild the lily' is a misquotation from Shakespeare's play 'King John,' where the original line is 'to paint the lily.' It suggests that adding gold to a lily, which is already beautiful, is excessive and unnecessary.