Possible Clues:

• Is the rug about to lie in a way that makes it more than plain?
• That's the way to make it more then plain
• That makes it more than plain
• In the gruel, one could make it so comparatively unpleasant
• Like the wicked stepsisters vis-vis Cinderella
• Rougher on the eyes
• More unattractive
• More offensive
• Eliciting more laughs, as Christmas sweaters
• More like some novelty Christmas sweaters