Embroider

/ɛmˈbrɔɪdər/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To decorate fabric with needlework.

She decided to embroider a floral pattern on the tablecloth.

To add fictitious or exaggerated details to a story or statement.

He tends to embroider his travel tales, making them more exciting than they really were.

Middle English, from Old French 'embroidier', from 'en-' + 'broidier', to stitch.

embroider the truth

To alter facts or details to make them more appealing or interesting.

broider

To decorate cloth with needlework, often synonymously with embroider.

needlework

The art or process of sewing or embroidering.

To exaggerate a story.

He likes to embroider when telling his fishing tales.

To add unnecessary details.

Don't embroider your explanation; just keep it simple.