What does “Paper over the cracks” mean?
"Paper over the cracks" means to hide or disguise problems or flaws.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The company tried to paper over the cracks by releasing a statement denying any wrongdoing.
Example
The government's attempt to paper over the cracks only made the situation worse.
Example
The manager's decision to ignore the issues and focus on positive aspects was just an attempt to paper over the cracks
Is “Paper over the cracks” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Paper over the cracks” 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 “Paper over the cracks” effectively in context?
You can use "Paper over the cracks" to describe the act of hiding or disguising problems or flaws. It implies that someone is trying to make a situation appear better than it actually is, without addressing the underlying issues. For example, if a company is facing financial difficulties, they might try to "paper over the cracks" by presenting a positive image to the public while ignoring the root causes of their problems.
- 1Business
The company tried to paper over the cracks by releasing a statement denying any wrongdoing.
- 2Government
The government's attempt to paper over the cracks only made the situation worse.
- 3Management
The manager's decision to ignore the issues and focus on positive aspects was just an attempt to paper over the cracks.
Similar phrases to “Paper over the cracks”:
To conceal or gloss over negative aspects or mistakes
Example
The report was accused of whitewashing the company's unethical practices.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Paper over the cracks” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Paper over the cracks" is unknown.
Is “Paper over the cracks” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Paper over the cracks" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where problems or flaws are being concealed or ignored.
What tone does “Paper over the cracks” have?
"Paper over the cracks" conveys a tone of deception or superficiality. It suggests that someone is trying to create a false impression or avoid dealing with the real issues at hand.
Can “Paper over the cracks” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "paper over the cracks" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common phenomenon in various contexts. You can use it in conversations with friends, colleagues, or in more formal situations such as presentations or written reports.
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, 'The company's attempt to "paper over the cracks" only delayed the inevitable.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They're just "papering over the cracks".' to imply that someone is trying to hide problems.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- conceal problems
- mask flaws
- ignore issues
- cover up
- pretend everything is fine
Antonyms
- address problems
- acknowledge flaws
- deal with issues
- face reality
- confront the truth
