papering over
"Papering over" is often used to describe superficial solutions to deeper issues, common in contexts where appearances are prioritized over genuine resolution.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1General
(informal)To cover up or hide problems or faults, often temporarily or superficially.
Example
- The manager tried papering over the issues in the report to avoid criticism.
- Instead of addressing the root cause, they just papered over the cracks.
C1Conflict Resolution
(informal)To gloss over or minimize the importance of an issue or disagreement.
Example
- They are papering over their differences to present a united front.
- The politician's speech papered over the real challenges facing the country.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "papering over":
patching upcover upgloss overpatch uppaste uppaper wallsmooth overwindow dressingglaze overpaint upput overtape over