gold plate

== English == === Alternative forms === gold-plate === Noun === gold plate (countable and uncountable, plural gold plates) A thin layer of gold applied to the surface of an object, often by an electrolytic method. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see gold,‎ plate. === Verb === gold plate (third-person singular simple present gold plates, present participle gold plating, simple past and past participle gold plated) To apply gold plate to an object, to plate with gold. (of projects) To incorporate costly or otherwise excessive features or refinements unnecessarily, to overengineer. (of laws, regulations, etc) To embellish, to extend beyond its intended scope, especially so as to become stifling, or rigid and inflexible. ==== Usage notes ==== The sense relating to laws and regulations is particularly used in relation to European Union directives