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Phrasal verbs "gloss over" vs "paper over"

Differences between gloss over and paper over

Gloss over means to ignore or avoid discussing something unpleasant or uncomfortable, while paper over means to conceal or hide a problem or mistake temporarily without addressing it fully.

Meanings and Definitions: gloss over vs paper over

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Gloss over

  • 1Try to minimise the importance of something.

    The Minister tried to GLOSS OVER the report that was critical of her department.

Paper over

  • 1Try to conceal a problem without really fixing it.

    The government tried to PAPER OVER the problems in the proposal, but the press were very critical.

Usage Examples: gloss over, paper over in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

gloss over

Example

The teacher decided to gloss over the difficult parts of the lesson.

Example

He often glosses over his mistakes instead of admitting them.

paper over

Example

They tried to paper over the cracks in their relationship.

Example

She papers over her financial problems by borrowing money from friends.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Gloss over

brush aside

To ignore or dismiss something without giving it proper attention or consideration.

Example

He tried to brush aside her concerns about his health, but she insisted he see a doctor.

skirt around

To avoid or evade discussing a sensitive or difficult topic.

Example

During the meeting, the manager skirted around the issue of layoffs, causing frustration among the employees.

sugarcoat

To make something seem less unpleasant or serious than it really is.

Example

The politician tried to sugarcoat the impact of the new policy, but the public saw through his rhetoric.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Paper over

whitewash

To conceal or cover up a problem or mistake by presenting a false or misleading version of events.

Example

The company tried to whitewash the environmental damage caused by their operations, but activists exposed the truth.

band-aid solution

A temporary or superficial fix for a problem that does not address the underlying issue.

Example

The government's plan to increase funding for public schools was criticized as a band-aid solution that did not address systemic inequalities in education.

sweep under the rug

To conceal or ignore a problem or mistake in the hopes that it will be forgotten or overlooked.

Example

The company tried to sweep the scandal under the rug, but it eventually came to light and caused significant damage to their reputation.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Differences in gloss over vs paper over: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: gloss over or paper over?

Both phrases are commonly used in spoken and written English, but gloss over is slightly more common than paper over.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of gloss over and paper over

Both gloss over and paper over are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations. However, in more formal settings like academic or business contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of gloss over and paper over

The tone of gloss over and paper over can differ based on context. Gloss over often carries a dismissive or nonchalant tone when related to avoiding a topic, while paper over typically has a more urgent or defensive tone, especially when referring to concealing a mistake or problem.

gloss over & paper over: Synonyms and Antonyms

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