Paper over
verb
To quickly or lightly deal with a problem or to cover a mistake without fixing it completely.
They merely papered over the differences between them instead of resolving anything.
Often appears as...
- paper over the cracks
- paper over differences
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To cover a wall with wallpaper.
We decided to paper over the wall in the living room to give it a fresh look.
Often appears as...
- paper over the wall
- paper over the room
verb
To quickly or lightly deal with a problem or to cover a mistake without fixing it completely.
They merely papered over the differences between them instead of resolving anything.
Often appears as...
- paper over the cracks
- paper over differences
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To cover a wall with wallpaper.
We decided to paper over the wall in the living room to give it a fresh look.
Often appears as...
- paper over the wall
- paper over the room
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Temporary Solution
Indicates a quick fix that won’t last or fully solve an issue.
The government's measures only paper over the economic issues.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoidance
Suggests ignoring deeper problems by only addressing the surface.
Instead of confronting their issues, they paper over them with smiles.
Pro Tip 3/3Superficial Agreement
Used when people ignore differences to appear united.
The coalition papered over their disagreements to pass the bill.
Pro Tip 1/3Temporary Solution
Indicates a quick fix that won’t last or fully solve an issue.
The government's measures only paper over the economic issues.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoidance
Suggests ignoring deeper problems by only addressing the surface.
Instead of confronting their issues, they paper over them with smiles.
Pro Tip 3/3Superficial Agreement
Used when people ignore differences to appear united.
The coalition papered over their disagreements to pass the bill.
Pro Tip 1/3Temporary Solution
Indicates a quick fix that won’t last or fully solve an issue.
The government's measures only paper over the economic issues.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoidance
Suggests ignoring deeper problems by only addressing the surface.
Instead of confronting their issues, they paper over them with smiles.
Pro Tip 3/3Superficial Agreement
Used when people ignore differences to appear united.
The coalition papered over their disagreements to pass the bill.
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