varnishing

A carpenter is varnishing a wooden chair in his workshop.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of applying varnish: "varnishing" refers to the process of coating a surface with a liquid that dries to form a hard, glossy, transparent film, typically for protection or decoration.
   • Figurative sense: In a metaphorical sense, "varnishing" means the act of concealing or glossing over flaws, imperfections, or unpleasant facts to make something appear more attractive or acceptable.

Usage Examples

• Noun (literal):

  • The varnishing of the antique table took three hours to complete. (The process of applying varnish to the table.)
  • After the final varnishing, the wooden floor shone brilliantly. (The last coating of varnish.)

• Noun (figurative):

  • His speech was a varnishing of the truth, hiding the company's real financial troubles. (An attempt to make the truth seem better than it is.)
  • The report offered only a thin varnishing of the scandal, omitting key details. (A superficial covering of unpleasant facts.)

Advanced Usage

• "Varnishing day": a traditional term for the day before an art exhibition opens, when artists are allowed to apply final varnish to their paintings.

  • The gallery hosted a private reception on varnishing day for the artists. (The day set aside for final touches on paintings.)

• "Varnishing and polishing": a phrase used in woodworking to describe the final finishing steps.

  • The cabinetmaker specialized in varnishing and polishing fine furniture. (The final stages of finishing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Varnish (n/v): the substance used in varnishing (noun), or the act of applying it (verb).

  • She bought a can of clear varnish. (The liquid coating.)
  • He varnished the bookshelf to protect it. (Applied varnish to.)

• Varnisher (n): a person who applies varnish professionally.

  • The varnisher worked carefully to avoid bubbles in the coating. (A skilled worker.)

Synonyms

• Coating: the application of a layer of material.
• Glazing: applying a glossy finish, often to ceramics or wood.
• Whitewashing (figurative): concealing faults or unpleasant facts.

Related Idioms

• "Varnish over": to attempt to hide or disguise something unpleasant.

  • The politician tried to varnish over the scandal with a smooth apology. (To gloss over or conceal.)

• "Put a varnish on": to make something appear more attractive than it is.

  • The company put a varnish on its poor sales figures by highlighting minor successes. (To embellish or beautify.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Varnish over (transitive): to apply varnish as a finish; also figurative.
  • He varnished over the scratches on the table. (Applied varnish to cover them.)
  • She varnished over her mistakes with a quick smile. (Figurative: disguised them.)