answersLogoWhite

0

This idea usually shows up as a misquote about gilding lilies. It means an utter waste of time and resources on something that does not need doing. The full quotation is from Shakespeare's King John V, vii, 41:

To gild refined gold, to paint the lily,

To throw a perfume on the violet,

To smooth the ice, or add another hue

Unto the rainbow, or with taper-light

To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,

Is wasteful and ridiculous excess.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?