paper over the cracks

idiom

chiefly British
: to hide problems
We have to acknowledge these problems. We can't just paper over the cracks.

Examples of paper over the cracks in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The play of quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his array of receivers could paper over the cracks, however. Erick Smith, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2021 But Alabama’s armor possesses a few chinks, and without Young to paper over the cracks, the Tide becomes more vulnerable. Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2022 And yet, we are asked to paper over the cracks in institutional support systems with strips torn from our own skin. New York Times, 5 July 2022 For the regional races, Mr. Macron has tried to paper over the cracks in the front républicain. Noemie Bisserbe, WSJ, 20 June 2021 But the latest result will help paper over the cracks in what's been an inconsistent start to the season from Zidane's side. Ben Church, CNN, 27 Oct. 2020

Dictionary Entries Near paper over the cracks

Cite this Entry

“Paper over the cracks.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20over%20the%20cracks. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!