They tried to sweep the mistake under the rug.
sweep something under the rug
idiomTo conceal a problem (usually an embarrassing or illegal one) expediently, rather than remedy it thoroughly.
Instead of fixing the accounting error, the manager decided to sweep it under the rug to avoid an audit.
The administration hoped to sweep the scandal under the rug, but the persistent investigative journalists refused to let the matter disappear.
- 01
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
chalk something up to experience
To take a lesson from a bad outcome instead of grieving it.
- 03
cut a rug
To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.
- 04
get something over with
To proceed to do something as soon as possible, especially so as to have something unpleasant behind oneself.
- 05
give someone something to think about
To threaten or provide a challenge to.
- 06
give something a go
To try or attempt.
- 07
give something a miss
To forgo something.
- 08
give something a try
To try or attempt something.