Definition

Verb: 1. To cover up or minimize a fault, error, or unpleasant fact: To treat something problematic in a superficial way to make it seem less serious or to avoid blame. 2. To treat hurriedly or avoid dealing with properly: To handle a subject, task, or problem quickly and without the necessary depth or attention.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to cover up a fault):
  • The report tried to gloss over the company's safety failures.
  • Politicians often gloss over the complexities of an issue.
• Verb (to treat hurriedly):
  • He glossed over the instructions and assembled the furniture incorrectly.
  • The manager glossed over my concerns during the meeting.

Advanced Usage

• "to gloss something over": The phrasal verb is typically used with a direct object (the fault or subject being avoided).
  • You can't just gloss over the financial discrepancies in the budget.
• Used to describe a deliberate or negligent act of avoidance, often implying dishonesty or carelessness.

Variants and Related Words

• Gloss (noun): A superficially attractive appearance or interpretation that conceals something less pleasant.
  • The peace agreement was a gloss hiding deep divisions.
• Gloss (verb): To provide a brief explanation or translation; or to give a shiny surface to. (Note: This is the base verb, distinct from the phrasal verb "gloss over").
  • The editor asked me to gloss the technical terms.
  • She glossed her lips.

Synonyms

• Whitewash: To conceal unpleasant facts about.
• Skim over: To deal with or treat hastily.
• Downplay: To make something seem less important.
• Overlook: To ignore or disregard indulgently.
• Brush aside: To dismiss without consideration.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Smooth over: To make problems or difficulties seem less serious, similar to "gloss over" but often implying an attempt to restore calm.
  • He tried to smooth over the argument with an apology.

Related Idioms

• Sweep under the rug: To hide or ignore a problem or embarrassing situation hoping it will be forgotten.
  • The scandal was too big to sweep under the rug.

Verb

1. cover up a misdemeanor, fault, or error
   • Let's not whitewash the crimes of Stalin
   • She tried to gloss over her mistakes
2. treat hurriedly or avoid dealing with properly