paper over
Hide with pretense
To paper over is to conceal or disguise a problem without actually fixing it—like covering a crack in a wall with wallpaper rather than repairing the underlying structure.
The phrase often describes superficial solutions to deeper issues: They papered over their disagreements for the sake of the children.
To paper over the cracks is to hide flaws or conflicts that remain unresolved beneath the surface.
Conceal misdeeds or errors
bury · suppress · veil · shroud · camouflage · screen · cloak · obfuscate
Diminish perceived importance
- trivializeMake light of
- understateExpress with restraint
- de-emphasizeMinimize perceived significance
- soft-pedalDiminish stated significance
play down · make light of · brush off · dismiss · discount · underplay · diminish · belittle
cover up
Conceal misdeeds or errors
whitewash · bury · suppress · veil · shroud · camouflage · screen · cloak · obfuscate · brush aside
downplay
Diminish perceived importance
- trivializeMake light of
- understateExpress with restraint
- de-emphasizeMinimize perceived significance
soft-pedal · play down · make light of · brush off · dismiss · discount · underplay · diminish · belittle · shrug off
- sugarcoatingsweeten, soften, whitewash, soft-pedal, prettify
paper overexpose
Make known publicly
reveal · uncover · lay bare · unmask · bring to light
paper overconfront
Face squarely, address directly
face · acknowledge · tackle · reckon with · heed
over, paper, newspaper, papers, cardboard, newspapers, papered, wallpaper, sandpaper