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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 useWhat is the origin of the idiom "paint the lily" and when to use it?
The idiom "paint the lily" comes from Shakespeare's "King John" where a character uses "to gild refined gold, to paint the lily" to describe futile efforts to improve something already perfect. The term is used when people add excess embellishments to something good, in both minor and major situations, and in personal or professional contexts.
02
operated by automation
03
adorn unnecessarily (something that is already beautiful)
Example
The speech was already moving, but adding more dramatic language and gestures would gild the lily and make it seem insincere.
The garden was already beautiful, but adding more flowers and decorations would just paint the lily and make it look cluttered.
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.
Should I add a scarf to this jacket or would it be gilding the lily?
The design of the dress was already elegant, but adding more sequins and beading would just paint the lily.
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