One who lays it on thick (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: FLATTERER
Understanding "One Who Lays It On Thick" in Crossword Puzzles
One who lays it on thick is an idiomatic crossword clue that answers to FLATTERER (9 letters). In crossword terminology, this clue uses a common English expression meaning to exaggerate praise or compliments excessively, often insincerely.
This phrase-based clue appears regularly in major crossword publications, combining figurative language with vocabulary about human behavior to create an engaging and memorable puzzle entry.
Why FLATTERER Means One Who Lays It On Thick
The answer FLATTERER refers to someone who gives excessive, often insincere compliments or praise. The idiom "lay it on thick" perfectly captures this behavior:
- Excessive praise: Compliments that go beyond genuine appreciation into exaggeration territory
- Insincerity: Praise given for personal gain rather than authentic admiration
- Manipulation: Using compliments strategically to influence or curry favor with someone
- Sycophantic behavior: Fawning over superiors or those in positions of power
- Social lubricant: Sometimes used to smooth social interactions, though often transparently
Tips for Solving "One Who Lays It On Thick" Clues
Strategic Solving Approaches
- Decode the idiom: The phrase "lays it on thick" is key. This expression means to exaggerate or overdo something, most commonly applied to excessive compliments or praise.
- Think about agent nouns: The clue asks for "one who" does something, signaling an agent noun ending in -ER (FLATTERER, not FLATTERY).
- Count the letters: At 9 letters, FLATTERER fits standard mid-length answer spaces. The double letters (TT and RR) help confirm partial fills.
- Use context clues: If the puzzle has a theme about workplace behavior, social dynamics, or character traits, FLATTERER becomes more likely.
- Consider synonyms: Words like sycophant, toady, and brown-noser all describe similar behavior, but FLATTERER is most neutral and common.
- Check crossing answers: The FL- opening and -ER ending are distinctive. Even 2-3 confirmed letters make FLATTERER obvious to experienced solvers.
One who lays it on thick (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other 9-letter answers for "one who lays it on thick"?
A: FLATTERER is the definitive answer. SYCOPHANT (9 letters) could theoretically work, but constructors typically reserve it for more formal cluing like "obsequious person."
Q: How do I distinguish between FLATTERER and similar words?
A: Remember the letter count: FLATTERER (9), SYCOPHANT (9), TOADY (5), FAWNER (6). The clue's specific wording usually points to one answer.
Q: How can I remember this answer for future puzzles?
A: Connect the idiom to the answer: "lay it on thick" = excessive = FLATTERER. The double-T in both "thick" and "flaTTerer" creates a mnemonic link.
Q: Does FLATTERER appear in cryptic crosswords?
A: Yes, though cryptics add wordplay. Example: "One flattering thick artist about revolutionary energy (9)" where letters rearrange or build the answer.
Q: What difficulty level features this clue?
A: Typically Wednesday-Friday in the New York Times, considered intermediate to challenging. Requires understanding of English idioms and behavioral vocabulary.
