Lay it on Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫeɪ/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
LAY it AWN
lˈeɪ/ /ˈɪt/ /ˈɒn
LAY it ON
Definition
To exaggerate or overstate something, often to impress, get sympathy, or make a story more interesting.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal or conversational. Common in 'lay it on thick', meaning to exaggerate even more. Often used when someone overemphasizes problems, emotions, praise, or details to get a reaction. Not about physically laying things.
Spanish: exagerar - embellecer (al contar una historia)Portuguese (BR): exagerar - dramatizarPortuguese (PT): exagerar - dramatizarChinese (Simplified): 夸大其词 - 渲染Chinese (Traditional): 誇大其詞 - 渲染Hindi: घटना को बढ़ा-चढ़ाकर पेश करना - ज़रूरत से ज़्यादा कहनाArabic: يبالغ - يضخم الأمورBengali: বাড়িয়ে বলা - অতিরঞ্জিত করাRussian: преувеличивать - приукрашиватьJapanese: 大げさに言う - 誇張するVietnamese: nói quá - phóng đạiKorean: 과장하다 - 억지로 부풀리다Turkish: abartmak - olduğundan fazla göstermekUrdu: بات کو بڑھا چڑھا کر بیان کرنا - مبالغہ کرناIndonesian: melebih-lebihkan - membesar-besarkan
Example Sentences
He always lays it on when talking about his problems.
basic
Don't lay it on—just tell the truth.
basic
She really laid it on about how hard her day was.
basic
Wow, you're really laying it on thick!
natural
He likes to lay it on when he tells stories to make them funnier.
natural
You don't have to lay it on so much—we believe you.
natural