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Gild the lily

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Metaphorical Use

It's used metaphorically to describe overdoing or excessive enhancement of something already sufficient or perfect.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Printing her award on golden paper would be gilding the lily.
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Negative Nuance

The phrase usually suggests that the excess is somewhat negative or unnecessary.

Illustration for Negative Nuance
He was already praised by everyone; the speech in his honor gilded the lily.
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Cautious Usage

Avoid using it to describe situations where improvements or enhancements are genuinely needed.

Illustration for Cautious Usage
Instead of helping, his extra explanations gilded the lily and caused more confusion.
Visual representation of the word "Gild the lily"

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