pile on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Add ever more onto someone
Why “on”? Weight piles on top of you. What is on you is yours to carry.
“They keep piling on the deadlines.”
“The teacher piled on extra homework until the class complained.”
Don't confuse with
Pile on means add ever more onto someone. Pile up means accumulate in a heap.
Test yourself
“They keep piling on the deadlines.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
pile up
A contrast learners often mix up
Accumulate in a heap
dump on
Same on pattern: burden
Unload an unwanted task onto someone
foist on
Same on pattern: burden
Impose something unwanted
heap on
Same on pattern: burden
Pour generously onto someone
impose on
Same on pattern: burden
Take advantage of someone's hospitality
lay on
Same on pattern: burden
Place a duty or charge on someone; Provide or supply something for an event
load on
Same on pattern: burden
Burden with a great quantity
palm on
Same on pattern: burden
Pass off a chore to someone else
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