lay on with a trowel

Verb

transitive

(transitive) To offer (praise, flattery, etc.) in an unsubtle and excessive way.

Japanese Meaning

過度で目立つ形でお世辞や称賛を述べること。 / あからさまに誇張して褒めること。 / 際立って、わざとらしく褒めちぎる行為。

When she was promoted, her colleagues started to lay on with a trowel, covering her with exaggerated compliments.

彼女が昇進すると、同僚たちはべた褒めを始め、過度に賞賛した。

Sense（1）

(transitive) To offer (praise, flattery, etc.) in an unsubtle and excessive way.

lays on with a trowel

（ present singular third-person ）

laying on with a trowel

（ participle present ）

laid on with a trowel

（ participle past ）

laid on with a trowel

（ past ）