candy-coat
Make falsely pleasant
Candy-coat means to make something appear more attractive or palatable than it really is, typically by glossing over unpleasant details or adding superficial appeal.
The term references the literal process of coating something in a sweet shell, like candy-coated almonds.
Don't candy-coat it—just tell me what the doctor said.
The related adjective candy-coated describes something presented in an overly sweet or sanitized way: a candy-coated version of history.
Minimize or conceal flaws
- softenMake less firm
- whitewashConceal or coat pale
- sanitizeCleanse of pathogens
- downplayDiminish perceived importance
spin · varnish · prettify · minimize · mask · disguise · obscure · dilute
Thin lustrous coating
- Jordan almondSugar-coated almond confection
- shellacResinous wood coating
- lusterSoft reflected light
- shineEmit or reflect light
sprinkle · fondant · icing · caramelized · lacquer · bonbon · praline · confection
gloss over
Minimize or conceal flaws
downplay · spin · varnish · prettify · minimize · mask · disguise · obscure · dilute · temper
glaze
Thin lustrous coating
- Jordan almondSugar-coated almond confection
- shellacResinous wood coating
- lusterSoft reflected light
shine · sprinkle · fondant · icing · caramelized · lacquer · bonbon · praline · confection · sweetened
candy-coattell it like it is
Speak with complete candor
speak plainly · lay it on the line · not mince words · call a spade a spade · pull no punches
candy-coatexpose
Make known publicly
lay bare · rub someone's nose in it · reveal · unmask · strip down
candy, coat, candies, candied, coats, coated, coating, coatings, candy-coated