paint over
A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
Put new paint on top of something that already has paint on it.
Literal meaning: To paint a layer over an existing surface — transparent in its literal sense.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To apply a new coat of paint on top of a previously painted surface.
"We decided to paint over the dark green walls with a light grey to brighten the room."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
(Figurative) To hide or disguise a problem, mistake, or unpleasant truth rather than dealing with it properly.
"The new management strategy seemed designed to paint over the deep structural problems in the company."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used both literally (decorating, covering graffiti) and figuratively (hiding problems, mistakes). The figurative use is common in political and journalistic language.
Commonly used with
cracks mistakes graffiti wall problems truth
Forms
Base
paint over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
paints over
he/she/it
Past simple
painted over
yesterday
Past participle
painted over
have + pp
-ing form
painting over
continuous
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Synonyms
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