Phrasal verbs "cover up" vs "rough up"

Differences between cover up and rough up

Cover up means to hide or conceal something, while rough up means to treat someone roughly or violently.

Meanings and Definitions: cover up vs rough up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Cover up

  • 1Conceal, try to stop people finding out.

    They tried to COVER UP the incident but it got into the newspapers.

Rough up

  • 1Assault.

    The mugger ROUGHED him UP when he refused to hand his wallet over.

Usage Examples: cover up, rough up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

cover up

Example

The company tried to cover up the accident to avoid bad publicity.

Example

He always covers up his mistakes instead of admitting them.

rough up

Example

The bullies threatened to rough up the new kid.

Example

He roughs up anyone who disagrees with him.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cover up

To hide or keep something secret from others.

Example

She tried to conceal her disappointment when she didn't get the job.

To hide or disguise something by covering it up or making it appear different.

Example

He tried to mask his nervousness by smiling and acting confident.

To hide or blend in with one's surroundings or environment.

Example

The soldiers used their uniforms to camouflage themselves in the forest during the training exercise.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rough up

beat up

To physically assault or attack someone.

Example

The gang members beat up the innocent bystander for no reason.

To handle someone roughly or without care, often resulting in physical harm or discomfort.

Example

The security guard manhandled the suspect while trying to apprehend him.

To play or engage in physical activity in a rough or boisterous manner.

Example

The kids loved to roughhouse in the backyard and play fight with each other.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “cover”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in cover up vs rough up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: cover up or rough up?

In daily conversation, people use cover up more often than rough up. This is because cover up is used for more common situations such as hiding a mistake or covering a wound. Rough up is not used as much and is considered more informal.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cover up and rough up

Cover up and rough up are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. However, rough up is considered more informal and can be seen as aggressive or confrontational. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of cover up and rough up

The tone of cover up and rough up can differ based on context. Cover up often carries a secretive or defensive tone when related to hiding something, while rough up typically has a forceful and aggressive tone, especially when referring to physical violence.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!