put on frills: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘put on frills’ mean?
The idiom "put on frills" means to add unnecessary or excessive decorative details or embellishments to something, typically to make it more attractive or impressive.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "spruce up" means to make something or someone cleaner, tidier, or more attractive by improving their appearance or condition.
The idiom "rub in" means to emphasize or remind someone of something, often in a way that causes annoyance or embarrassment.
The idiom "roughen up" means to make something or someone rough or more aggressive, usually by adding force or intensity. It can also refer to making something appear more rugged or worn.
The idiom "rough around the edges" means that someone or something may appear imperfect or unrefined, but still has potential or qualities that make them interesting or valuable.
The idiom "put-up job" means a planned or arranged situation designed to deceive or trick someone.
The idiom "put one's stamp" means to leave a clear or distinctive mark on something, often indicating ownership or influence.
The idiom "put one's stamp" is often used figuratively and originated from the act of physically putting a stamp on mail to indicate approval or authorization. In this idiomatic usage, it means to leave one's influence or mark on something, making it recognizable as one's own.
The idiom "put one's heart in" means to do something with great enthusiasm, passion, and dedication.
The idiom "put one's heart in" is used to describe the act of giving one's full effort, dedication, or passion to something. When someone puts their heart into a task or activity, they are fully investing their emotional and physical energy, often going above and beyond what is expected.
The idiom "put one's best foot forward" means to make a good impression or to present oneself in the best possible way, especially in a new or important situation.
The Secret Significance
When someone uses the idiom "put on airs," they are suggesting that someone is behaving or presenting themselves in a way that is pretentious or pompous. This can be seen as a form of putting on frills, as it involves trying to appear more important or impressive than one actually is. People may put on airs by using grandiose language, exaggerating their accomplishments, or adopting a haughty demeanor.
A related idiom is "spruce up," which means to improve the appearance of something by adding decorative or attractive features. This can be seen as a more positive version of putting on frills, as it involves enhancing something in a genuine and intentional way. When we spruce up our writing or presentations, we are adding elements that enhance the overall quality and impact, rather than attempting to deceive others.
Another idiom that relates to putting on frills is "put a hat on a hat," which refers to the act of adding something unnecessary or redundant to an already complex or excessive situation. This is similar to putting on frills, as it involves adding unnecessary embellishments or details that do not contribute to the overall effectiveness or clarity. It is a reminder to avoid overcomplicating things and to focus on what is truly essential.
Additionally, the idiom "pad out" can be related to putting on frills. When we say that something is padded out, it means that unnecessary or filler content has been added to make it longer or appear more substantial. This is similar to putting on frills, as it involves adding unnecessary material that does not contribute to the main point or purpose. It is important to avoid padding out our work and instead focus on providing concise and impactful information.
Lastly, the idiom "put on a pedestal" relates to putting on frills in the sense that it involves exalting or idolizing someone or something beyond their actual merit. When we put someone on a pedestal, we are treating them as if they are more important or impressive than they truly are. This can be seen as a form of putting on frills, as it involves exaggerating or overemphasizing the qualities or accomplishments of someone or something.
Overall, the idiom "put on frills" encompasses the idea of adding unnecessary or excessive embellishments or decorations to something, often with the intention of making it seem more impressive or important. This can be seen in related idioms such as "put on airs," "spruce up," "put a hat on a hat," "pad out," and "put on a pedestal." These idioms serve as reminders to be mindful of our intentions and to avoid unnecessary exaggeration or overcomplication in our actions and communications.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "put on frills" can be used in a sentence:
- She always puts on frills for special occasions.
- He decided to put on frills and dress up for the party.
- Instead of a simple presentation, she put on frills to make it more entertaining.
More "Clothing" idioms
