To hide or conceal a problem, disagreement, or mistake with a superficial solution.
Cover up a problem without really fixing it, like putting wallpaper over a crack.
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
To conceal a problem, conflict, or disagreement with a superficial or temporary fix, without addressing the root cause.
"The coalition's joint statement was an attempt to paper over the very real ideological differences between the two parties."
To apply wallpaper over a crack or blemish on a wall — the structural problem remains.
Cover up a problem without really fixing it, like putting wallpaper over a crack.
Frequently used in political and business journalism: 'papering over the cracks'. The extended form 'paper over the cracks' is a very common idiom. Implies the underlying problem remains unsolved.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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