Sekirov Dictionary

take the gilt off the gingerbread

UK /ˌteɪk ðə ˈɡɪlt ɒf ðə ˈd͡ʒɪn(d͡)ʒəbɹɛd/US /ˌteɪk ðə ˈɡɪlt ɔf ðə ˈd͡ʒɪnd͡ʒɚˌbɹɛd/

verb1

•
To take away the most attractive or appealing qualities of something; to destroy an illusion.
- If you only say the word, we shall take the gilt off the gingerbread,—you guess what I mean,—but remember that Sir Robert Walpole said, ‘every man has his price.’ — 1837

forms

took the gilt off the gingerbread · taken the gilt off the gingerbread · taking the gilt off the gingerbread · takes the gilt off the gingerbread

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