fudge

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a solution or answer that is not quite right or is meant to hide a mistake.

n. a compromise or adjustment made to hide a flaw, avoid a difficult decision, or patch an incorrect result.

“The new law is a bit of a fudge that doesn't really solve the problem.”

“Critics described the budget proposal as a political fudge designed to satisfy both wings of the party without committing to real reform.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to change details or numbers slightly to make them look better than they are.

v. to manipulate or adjust data, facts, or a situation in a slightly dishonest way to achieve a desired result.

“He tried to fudge the numbers in his report to make the sales look higher.”

“The accountant was accused of trying to fudge the figures to hide the company's significant losses from the investors.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Informal · Literary

n. silly talk or ideas that are not true.

n. nonsense or foolish talk; often used to dismiss an argument as being without substance.

“Don't listen to him; what he's saying is pure fudge.”

“The editorial dismissed the minister's explanation as mere fudge, intended to distract the public from the actual scandal.”