Phrasal verb
gloss over
Definition
phrasal verb. to talk about something briefly or ignore it because it is embarrassing or difficult. You use this when you don't want to give too much attention to a mistake or a problem.
phrasal verb. To treat a subject, especially a problem or error, with little detail or attention in order to conceal its importance or unpleasantness. This transitive phrasal verb is inseparable and requires a direct object.
Examples
“He tried to gloss over his mistakes during the interview.”
“The report mentions the company's successes but tends to gloss over the significant financial losses from last year.”
“While the biography provides a detailed account of his political triumphs, it conspicuously glosses over the more controversial aspects of his private life.”
Examples
simple
“He tried to gloss over his mistakes during the interview.”
contextual
“The report mentions the company's successes but tends to gloss over the significant financial losses from last year.”
complex
“While the biography provides a detailed account of his political triumphs, it conspicuously glosses over the more controversial aspects of his private life.”
Usage
Usually takes a noun phrase representing a problem, mistake, or negative detail as its object.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'ignore' (which implies no mention at all) and 'explain away' (which implies giving a reason for the failure).
Pitfall
He glossed the problem over.
He glossed over the problem.
The phrasal verb is inseparable in this sense, so the object must follow the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
over
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
gloss + over + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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