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Re: More disagreement

Posted by Rube on May 21, 2004

In Reply to: Gild the Lily, rose petals and rocket-propelled grenades posted by Bruce Kahl on May 21, 2004

: Yes, to "gild the lily" means to "To cover with or as if with a thin layer of gold".

No, it doesn't. That is the definition of "gilding" not gilding the lily.

: In addition, you can use the phrase "to give an often deceptively attractive or improved appearance to".

I have never heard the phrase used in this context. Gilding the lily is something unnecessary, as noted above. It is like giving a bouquet of flowers to a lottery winner. Sure, it is nice, but....