covering tracks
Erasing your trail
Covering tracks is concealing evidence of one's actions, especially wrongdoing.
The metaphor comes from literally obscuring footprints to prevent being followed.
A criminal covers their tracks by destroying evidence; an unfaithful spouse deletes text messages.
He was careful about covering his tracks, but investigators found the deleted emails.
- erasingRemoving recorded marks
- concealingKeeping something secret
- hidingStaying out of sight
- footprintsMarks left by walking
- digital footprintTraceable internet activity history
paper trail · snow · evidence · alibi · disappearing · stealth · brushing · mud · trail · escape · fleeing · paranoid · careful · sneaking · laying low · going dark · off the grid · wiping
covering trackscoming clean
Admitting wrongdoing honestly
confessing · full disclosure · owning up · taking responsibility · baring all
cover, covering, covers, covered, uncover, uncovered, uncovering, uncovers, coverage