Sweep something under the carpet
idiom
To hide or ignore something you don't want to deal with or let others know.
Many problems in the company were swept under the carpet to keep up appearances.
Often appears as...
- sweep issues under the carpet
- sweep problem under the carpet
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To hide or ignore something you don't want to deal with or let others know.
Many problems in the company were swept under the carpet to keep up appearances.
Often appears as...
- sweep issues under the carpet
- sweep problem under the carpet
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Issues
Used when problems are deliberately ignored, as if hiding them fixes the problem.
He just swept his failed projects under the carpet, hoping no one would notice.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
It implies a negative judgment, suggesting irresponsibility or avoidance.
Sweeping her poor performance under the carpet, she avoided the necessary improvements.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's metaphorical and doesn't involve actual sweeping or carpets.
When she broke the vase, she metaphorically swept the incident under the carpet.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Issues
Used when problems are deliberately ignored, as if hiding them fixes the problem.
He just swept his failed projects under the carpet, hoping no one would notice.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
It implies a negative judgment, suggesting irresponsibility or avoidance.
Sweeping her poor performance under the carpet, she avoided the necessary improvements.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's metaphorical and doesn't involve actual sweeping or carpets.
When she broke the vase, she metaphorically swept the incident under the carpet.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Issues
Used when problems are deliberately ignored, as if hiding them fixes the problem.
He just swept his failed projects under the carpet, hoping no one would notice.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
It implies a negative judgment, suggesting irresponsibility or avoidance.
Sweeping her poor performance under the carpet, she avoided the necessary improvements.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's metaphorical and doesn't involve actual sweeping or carpets.
When she broke the vase, she metaphorically swept the incident under the carpet.
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