Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): - To conceal or hide something, typically a problem, mistake, or embarrassing fact, in the hope that it will not be noticed or dealt with. This idiom implies an attempt to ignore an issue rather than address it openly.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the deliberate act of hiding information or a situation to avoid responsibility, criticism, or scandal. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting dishonesty or negligence.

Examples

• The company tried to sweep the safety violations under the rug to avoid a public scandal.
• You can't just sweep your mistakes under the rug and hope everyone forgets.
• The government was accused of attempting to sweep the report's findings under the rug.

Advanced Usage

• Passive Voice: Often used in passive constructions to describe the state of the concealed issue.
  • The financial discrepancies were swept under the rug for years.
• Figurative Use: While the idiom is figurative, the thing being concealed is almost always a non-physical problem (e.g., truth, complaint, evidence).

Variants and Related Words

• Cover-up (noun): An action or strategy to conceal a mistake or crime.
  • The scandal was followed by a major cover-up.
• Whitewash (verb/noun): To gloss over or conceal faults or errors.
  • The investigation was a whitewash, designed to sweep the real issues under the rug.

Synonyms

• Conceal
• Hide
• Suppress
• Hush up
• Gloss over

Related Idioms

• Brush something under the carpet: A British English variant with identical meaning.
  • They tried to brush the complaints under the carpet.

Verb

1. to conceal something in the hopes it won't be discovered by others
   • The president tried to sweep the embarrassing incident under the rug