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Phrasal verbs "hang over" vs "paper over"

Differences between hang over and paper over

Hang over means to remain or be present from a previous time or situation, while paper over means to conceal or hide a problem or issue temporarily without addressing it.

Meanings and Definitions: hang over vs paper over

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hang over

  • 1Worry or trouble.

    I have a lot of financial problem HANGING OVER my head.

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: hang over, paper over in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hang over

Example

The deadline for the project is hanging over our heads.

Example

The uncertainty of the situation hangs over her every day.

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 Hang over

linger on

To remain or persist from a previous time or situation.

Example

The feeling of sadness lingered on even after the funeral was over.

stick around

To remain or stay in a place or situation.

Example

I'll stick around for a while longer to see if anyone else shows up.

stay with

To remain or be present in someone's memory or experience.

Example

The image of the sunset stayed with her long after she left the beach.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Paper over

sweep under the rug

To hide or ignore a problem or issue without addressing it.

Example

The company decided to sweep the issue under the rug instead of dealing with it directly.

cover up

To conceal or hide something that is embarrassing or damaging.

Example

The politician tried to cover up his mistake by lying to the public.

put a band-aid on

To temporarily fix or address a problem without solving it completely.

Example

The teacher decided to put a band-aid on the issue by giving the students extra credit instead of addressing the root cause of the problem.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “hang”

Phrasal Verbs with “over”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: hang over or paper over?

In daily conversation, people use hang over more often than paper over. This is because hang over is used in various contexts such as emotions, memories, and physical objects. Paper over is not used as much, and it's mainly used in formal or professional settings. So, while both phrases are used, hang over is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Paper over is a more formal phrase often used in professional or academic contexts. It's suitable for situations where there's a need to address an issue without causing panic or alarm. Hang over is an informal phrase that can be used in casual conversations with friends and family.

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

The tone of hang over and paper over can differ based on context. Hang over often carries a nostalgic or lingering tone when related to memories or emotions, while paper over typically has a practical and serious tone, especially when referring to concealing problems or issues.

hang over & paper over: Synonyms and Antonyms

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