skate over
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive) To address or mention something in a superficial, hurried, or incomplete manner; to avoid dealing with a topic, issue, or problem properly or in depth.
Usage
This verb is used to describe the action of handling a subject quickly and without sufficient detail, often to avoid difficult aspects or a thorough discussion. It implies a lack of depth or care.
Examples
- The report skated over the major financial risks, focusing only on the positive projections.
- During the interview, the politician skated over the question about the recent scandal.
- He tends to skate over any criticism and quickly changes the subject.
Advanced Usage
- Passive Voice: The issue was skated over in the meeting, much to everyone's frustration.
- Gerund/Noun Form: His skating over of the key details made the entire proposal seem weak.
Variants and Related Words
- Skate around: A very similar phrasal verb meaning to avoid addressing a subject directly. (e.g., )
- Gloss over: A close synonym meaning to treat something briefly to minimize its importance.
Synonyms
- Gloss over
- Pass over lightly
- Treat superficially
- Avoid dealing with
- Sidestep
Antonyms
- Delve into
- Address thoroughly
- Confront directly
- Examine in detail
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Skate around: To avoid confronting or dealing with something directly. (See Variants and Related Words).
- Skate through: To get through something with minimal effort (often an exam or a situation). This is a different meaning related to ease, not avoidance. (e.g., )
Idioms and Common Phrases
- To skate on thin ice: This is a related idiom but with a different meaning. It means to be in a risky or dangerous situation that could lead to trouble. (e.g., ) Do not confuse this with "skate over."
Verb
- treat hurriedly or avoid dealing with properly