Definition

1. Verb:
   • To gloss over: To try to make a fault, mistake, or negative fact seem less serious or obvious by talking about it in a vague, misleading, or superficial way. The action focuses on using words to conceal or minimize the truth.
   • To cover up: To attempt to hide or conceal a wrongdoing or shortcoming, often by providing excuses or distracting arguments.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta đang cố lấp liếm cho sai lầm của mình bằng những lời hứa suông. (He is trying to gloss over his mistake with empty promises.)
  • Đừng có lấp liếm, hãy thành thật thừa nhận đi. (Don't cover it up; be honest and admit it.)
  • Bài báo đó chỉ lấp liếm các vấn đề thực sự của dự án. (That article just glosses over the real problems of the project.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a sense of dishonesty or a lack of sincerity. The person who "lấp liếm" is usually aware of the fault and is actively trying to avoid blame or consequences.
• It is commonly used in contexts of personal faults, professional errors, or political scandals where the truth is being obscured.

Synonyms

• To gloss over: To treat something serious too lightly.
• To cover up: To hide the truth about something wrong.
• To whitewash: To conceal unpleasant facts.
• To downplay: To make something seem less important.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Lấp liếm khuyết điểm: To gloss over one's shortcomings.
  • Một nhà lãnh đạo giỏi không lấp liếm khuyết điểm mà tìm cách sửa chữa. (A good leader does not gloss over shortcomings but finds ways to fix them.)

verb

1. to gloss over