Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb gild_the_lily

2 senses of gild the lily

Sense 1
gild the lily, paint the lily -- (adorn unnecessarily (something that is already beautiful))
       => decorate, adorn, grace, ornament, embellish, beautify -- (make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.; "Decorate the room for the party"; "beautify yourself for the special day")

Sense 2
gild the lily, paint the lily -- (make unnecessary additions to what is already complete)
       => add -- (make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of; "We added two students to that dorm room"; "She added a personal note to her letter"; "Add insult to injury"; "Add some extra plates to the dinner table")