Browse all

heap on

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To put a large or too-large amount of something on someone — like praise, blame, or food.

Literal meaning: To put a heap (large pile) of something on top of someone or something.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To give or express a large amount of something positive, such as praise or admiration.

"The critics heaped praise on the young director's debut film."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To give or direct a large amount of something negative, such as blame, scorn, or pressure.

"After the defeat, fans heaped criticism on the team's coach."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral

To put a large physical quantity of something onto someone or something.

"She heaped more pasta on his plate before he could protest."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Used for both tangible things (food) and abstract things (praise, blame, pressure, scorn). Often implies excessiveness — more than might be expected or deserved. Common in journalism and everyday speech.

Commonly used with

praise blame scorn pressure abuse food

Forms

Base
heap on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
heaps on
he/she/it
Past simple
heaped on
yesterday
Past participle
heaped on
have + pp
-ing form
heaping on
continuous

Understand "heap on" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "heap on" on Looplines