gild; study for vanity
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesverb
to gild; to plate with gold
Literally, the process of coating an object with a thin layer of gold to make it appear gold or to prevent corrosion.
This trophy is pure silver with a gold plating.
Ancient emperors liked to use gold-plated utensils.
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To prevent oxidation, this plaque needs to be re-gilded.
verb
to study or gain experience merely for show; to embellish one's resume
derogatoryA metaphorical and often derogatory term, used to criticize when someone pursues further education or a prestigious experience not for genuine knowledge or skill, but solely to gain a superficial status or title.
Studying abroad is not about embellishing one's resume, but about truly acquiring knowledge.
He only went to that big company to pad his resume, with no intention of long-term development.
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He's only taking this MBA program to gild his image, not because he genuinely wants to learn management.
Such short-term exchange programs are often criticized as 'resume-padding trips'.