gilds
Covers in gold
Gilds is the third-person singular of gild, meaning to cover with a thin layer of gold or gold-colored material: She gilds the picture frames by hand.
Figuratively, to gild is to make something appear more attractive or valuable than it is.
To gild the lily is to add unnecessary ornamentation to something already beautiful—improving what needs no improvement.
Adds decorative elements
- adornsAdds decorative elements
- beautifiesMakes more attractive
- enhancesIncreases quality or appeal
- decoratesAdds visual appeal to
ornaments · enriches · glamorizes · prettifies · brightens · accentuates · highlights · graces
False outward appearance
- pretenseDeceptive outward show
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
- artificeClever deceptive strategy
- illusionMisleading sensory impression
sham · veneer · masquerade · guise · subterfuge · feint · duplicity · trickery
Ultra-thin decorative metal
- electroplatingElectrically depositing metal layers
- platingSurface metal application
- coatingApplied surface covering
- leafingCasually turning pages
overlay · burnishing · metalwork · cladding · foil · finishing · surfacing · laminating
embellishes
Adds decorative elements
- adornsAdds decorative elements
- beautifiesMakes more attractive
- enhancesIncreases quality or appeal
decorates · ornaments · enriches · glamorizes · prettifies · brightens · accentuates · highlights · graces · bedecks
façade
False outward appearance
- pretenseDeceptive outward show
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
- artificeClever deceptive strategy
illusion · sham · veneer · masquerade · guise · subterfuge · feint · duplicity · trickery · deceit
gold leaf
Ultra-thin decorative metal
- electroplatingElectrically depositing metal layers
- platingSurface metal application
- coatingApplied surface covering
leafing · overlay · burnishing · metalwork · cladding · foil · finishing · surfacing · laminating · encasing
filigree
Delicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
- rococoExcessively elaborate in style
engraving · inlay · marquetry · fretwork · arabesque · acanthus · motif · bas-relief · carving · intarsia
- embellishesadorns, beautifies, decorates, ornaments, garnishes
- decorationsornament, ornaments, embellishment, trim, wreaths
- gilded framesGold-coated picture enclosures
- gilded cageLuxurious confinement lacking liberty
- gilding the lilyEmbellishing the already beautiful
- gild the lilyEmbellish what's already perfect
- gilded ageFlashy era hiding corruption
- gilded the lilyEmbellished something already beautiful