Cover your tracks
verb
Hiding evidence or actions to prevent others from discovering what you have done.
The burglar covered his tracks by wiping his fingerprints from the door handle.
Often appears as...
- quickly cover your tracks
- carefully cover your tracks
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
Doing something secret and then hiding or denying it.
He's been stealing from the company funds, but he's always careful to cover his tracks.
Often appears as...
- failed to cover your tracks
- attempt to cover your tracks
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
Hiding evidence or actions to prevent others from discovering what you have done.
The burglar covered his tracks by wiping his fingerprints from the door handle.
Often appears as...
- quickly cover your tracks
- carefully cover your tracks
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
Doing something secret and then hiding or denying it.
He's been stealing from the company funds, but he's always careful to cover his tracks.
Often appears as...
- failed to cover your tracks
- attempt to cover your tracks
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Origin
Originally referred to hiding footprints; now means hiding any evidence.
After the party, they covered their tracks by cleaning up before the parents arrived.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically for hiding digital or indirect evidence.
She covered her tracks by deleting her emails and internet history.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Usually implies wrongdoing or guilt; not often used for innocent situations.
To avoid suspicion, the corrupt official covered his tracks with fake documents.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Origin
Originally referred to hiding footprints; now means hiding any evidence.
After the party, they covered their tracks by cleaning up before the parents arrived.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically for hiding digital or indirect evidence.
She covered her tracks by deleting her emails and internet history.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Usually implies wrongdoing or guilt; not often used for innocent situations.
To avoid suspicion, the corrupt official covered his tracks with fake documents.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Origin
Originally referred to hiding footprints; now means hiding any evidence.
After the party, they covered their tracks by cleaning up before the parents arrived.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically for hiding digital or indirect evidence.
She covered her tracks by deleting her emails and internet history.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Usually implies wrongdoing or guilt; not often used for innocent situations.
To avoid suspicion, the corrupt official covered his tracks with fake documents.
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