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."
mixed
pile on
B2 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive
to add a lot more of something, or to join in attacking or criticizing
In plain English
to put a lot more on, or to keep making something worse
What does "pile on" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to increase something such as pressure, work, or difficulty
"The teacher piled on homework before the holidays."
mixed
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
to join others in criticizing, blaming, or attacking someone
"Once one person complained, everyone else started piling on."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to put things on top in a pile
Actually means
to put a lot more on, or to keep making something worse
Usage tip
Common in literal and figurative uses, including adding food, pressure, work, or criticism.
Words that pair with "pile on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pressure criticism weight work sauce insults
How to conjugate "pile on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "pile on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pile on"
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Keep exploring
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