What does “Brush under the carpet” mean?
"Brush under the carpet" means to ignore or hide a problem or issue.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The company tried to brush under the carpet the allegations of misconduct.
Example
Instead of addressing the issue, they chose to brush under the carpet and pretend everything was fine.
Example
It's not healthy to brush under the carpet your feelings and emotions
Is “Brush under the carpet” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Brush under the carpet” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Brush under the carpet” effectively in context?
You can use "Brush under the carpet" to describe the act of ignoring or hiding a problem or issue instead of addressing it. It implies that the problem is being swept away and not dealt with properly. For example, if someone is avoiding a difficult conversation, you might say, 'Don't just brush it under the carpet, we need to talk about this.'
- 1Workplace
Instead of addressing the complaints, the manager chose to brush under the carpet the issues raised by the employees.
- 2Relationships
They decided to brush under the carpet their differences and pretend everything was fine, but the tension remained.
- 3Emotional Health
It's important not to brush under the carpet your feelings and emotions. It's better to address them and seek support if needed.
Similar phrases to “Brush under the carpet”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Brush under the carpet” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Brush under the carpet" is unknown.
Is “Brush under the carpet” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Brush under the carpet" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to criticize or warn against the act of ignoring or hiding problems instead of facing them.
What tone does “Brush under the carpet” have?
"Brush under the carpet" conveys a tone of disapproval or caution. It suggests that avoiding or hiding problems is not a healthy or effective approach.
Can “Brush under the carpet” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "brush under the carpet" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of ignoring or hiding problems. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They tried to brush the issue under the carpet.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't brush it under the carpet!' to imply the need to address a problem.
