paper over the cracks
Hide surface problems
To paper over the cracks is to conceal problems or disagreements rather than address them—a superficial fix that leaves underlying issues intact.
The image is of wallpaper hiding damaged plaster.
The reforms merely papered over the cracks in the healthcare system.
Often used to criticize responses that prioritize appearances over substance.
- gloss overMinimize or conceal flaws
- sweep something under the rugDeliberately ignore a problem
- turn a blind eyeDeliberately ignore something obvious
- whitewashConceal or coat pale
- quick fixHasty temporary solution
camouflage · expedient · kick the can down the road · patchwork · jury-rigging · makeshift · stopgap · obscure · put a brave face on · save face · band-aid solution · cover-up · avoidance · workaround · mask · suppress · hide · veil
paper over the crackssystemic change
Transformation affecting whole institutions
get to the bottom of · overhaul · restructure · radical reform · root out
paper over the crackslay bare
Reveal completely
bring to light · face the music · air dirty laundry · come clean · call a spade a spade
paper over the cracksface up to
Accept and address directly
grasp the nettle · bite the bullet · take the bull by the horns · square up to · come to grips with
paper, papers, papered, papering, papery, paperwork, crack, cracks, cracked