gloss over

idiom

Meaning

To cover up a mistake or a crime; to hush up or whitewash.

Examples

SIMPLE

Don't try to gloss over your mistakes.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager tried to gloss over the budget errors, but the accountant noticed the missing money immediately.

COMPLEX

Rather than addressing the systemic failures of the project, the director chose to gloss over the details in his report to the board.

Anchors to

Last updated April 17, 2026