# gloss over

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/gloss-over
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Don't try to gloss over your mistakes.
- The manager tried to gloss over the budget errors, but the accountant noticed the missing money immediately.
- Rather than addressing the systemic failures of the project, the director chose to gloss over the details in his report to the board.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.