take the gilt off the gingerbread

English

Etymology

In the Middle Ages, gingerbread cakes were decorated with thin golden layers. Without this casing, they were considered to be humble offerings; generally being little more than flavoured but stale bread. Attested since 1854, originally New Zealand English.[1]

Verb

take the gilt off the gingerbread

  1. (idiomatic) To take away the most attractive or appealing qualities of something; to destroy the illusion.

References

  1. ↑ “Take the gilt off the gingerbread” in Gary Martin, The Phrase Finder, 1997–.
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