English Dictionary

take the gilt off the gingerbread

/ˌteɪk ðə ˈɡɪlt ɒf ðə ˈd͡ʒɪn(d͡)ʒəbɹɛd/

verb

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

They take the gilt off the gingerbread by adding too many rules and regulations.

意味（1）

(idiomatic) 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.’