the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > flattery or flattering > flatter [verb (transitive)] > lay on (flattery) thickly (1)
trowel1772
To put, place, or move (something) with or as with a trowel; to lay on with a trowel, i.e. thickly or clumsily; often figurative of flattery or…