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."
separable
paint over
A2 neutral separable transitive
To apply a new layer of paint on top of an existing surface, often to change colour or hide something.
In plain English
Put new paint on top of something that already has paint on it.
What does "paint over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To paint a layer over an existing surface — transparent in its literal sense.
Actually means
Put new paint on top of something that already has paint on it.
Usage tip
Used both literally (decorating, covering graffiti) and figuratively (hiding problems, mistakes). The figurative use is common in political and journalistic language.
Words that pair with "paint over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cracks mistakes graffiti wall problems truth
How to conjugate "paint over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "paint over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "paint over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "paint over"
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Keep exploring
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