pile on
B2 neutral mixed both
In simple words
to put a lot more on, or to keep making something worse
Literal meaning: to put things on top in a pile
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
to add a large amount of something on top of what is already there
"He piled on extra blankets when the temperature dropped."
Grammar: mixed
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to increase something such as pressure, work, or difficulty
"The teacher piled on homework before the holidays."
Grammar: mixed
3 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to join others in criticizing, blaming, or attacking someone
"Once one person complained, everyone else started piling on."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in literal and figurative uses, including adding food, pressure, work, or criticism.
Commonly used with
pressure criticism weight work sauce insults
Forms
Base
pile on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
piles on
he/she/it
Past simple
piled on
yesterday
Past participle
piled on
have + pp
-ing form
piling on
continuous
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Synonyms
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