English Reference
Idiom idiom

fudge the issue

Meaning

Adopt a solution to a specific problem which does not address the larger, more general problem of which the specific problem is an instance.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Examples
SIMPLE

“They just fudge the issue instead of fixing the real problem.”

CONTEXTUAL

“The manager tried to fudge the issue by offering a small discount rather than addressing the product's major design flaw.”

COMPLEX

“By focusing solely on minor administrative adjustments, the committee continued to fudge the issue, effectively ignoring the systemic instability that threatened the entire organization.”

Anchors to
Related idioms5entries
  1. 01

    fudge factor

    A quantity introduced to compensate for uncertainty.

  2. 02

    join issue

    Of two people, to argue with one another.

  3. 03

    pack fudge

    To perform anal sex.

  4. 04

    side issue

    An issue or topic which is not of direct significance to a primary concern.

  5. 05

    teething issues

    Synonym of teething troubles.

Last updated August 10, 2026