to paint the lily
01
to unnecessarily adorn or decorate something that is already beautiful or perfect
![to [paint|gild] the lily definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/41054/original/?type=jpeg "to [paint|gild] the lily definition and meaning")
Idiom
Old use
例
The design of the dress was already elegant, but adding more sequins and beading would just paint the lily.
The food at the restaurant was already delicious, but adding more spices and flavors would gild the lily and ruin the balance of the dish.
