Painting vs. gilding the lily

[nancylebov]

I'm currently in a discussion in rec.arts.sf.written about whether it's important to say "painting the lily" (the actual Shakespeare quote) rather than the more common (in both senses) "gilding the lily".

Do you care whether people use the original quote? Have you ever been around people who did?

Comments

[avram]

I have a hard time seeing how such a thing can be “important” unless you’re maybe you’re on a job interview applying for a position as an English Lit. scholar.

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

I'm arguing with someone who's very committed to "correct" language. I think his opinion on the matter is wildly disprortionate, but I'm curious about whether it's shared, even in a milder form.