What does "paper over" mean?

To hide problems without solving them To conceal difficulties temporarily.

How do you use "paper over" in a sentence?

They tried to paper over the cracks. You can't just paper over these issues. The deal papered over their differences.

paper over

Phrasal Verb BritishAmericanAustralian ★★★☆☆ Moderate Neutral

Practice this with flashcards, quizzes & audio on WordLoci →

Meaning: To hide problems without solving them

掩盖问题、粉饰太平

Disimular problemas; tapar las grietas

問題を取り繕う、ごまかす

문제를 임시로 덮어 감추다

To conceal difficulties temporarily.

不从根本上解决问题，只是暂时隐藏。常用习语"paper over the cracks（用墙纸盖住裂缝）"。

Ocultar problemas temporalmente sin resolverlos de raíz. Se usa frecuentemente la expresión "paper over the cracks" (tapar las grietas con papel pintado).

根本的な解決をせずに問題を一時的に隠すこと。「paper over the cracks（ひび割れを壁紙で隠す）」というイディオムがよく使われる。

어려움을 일시적으로 감추다.

Base verb: paper

Particle: over

Separable: Yes — the object can go between the verb and particle

Examples

They tried to paper over the cracks.
他们试图掩盖问题
Intentaron tapar las grietas
彼らは問題を取り繕おうとした
그들은 문제를 대충 덮으려고 했다.
You can't just paper over these issues.
你不能只是粉饰这些问题
No podéis simplemente disimular estos problemas
これらの問題をただごまかすことはできない
이 문제들을 그냥 덮을 수는 없어.
The deal papered over their differences.
这笔交易暂时掩盖了他们的分歧
El acuerdo disimuló sus diferencias
その取引は彼らの相違点を一時的に隠した
그 거래로 그들 간의 의견 차이를 일시적으로 감췄다.

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Context: concealment, temporary fixes

Tone: critical

✓ Do Say

Paper over the cracks
掩盖问题
Tapar las grietas
問題を取り繕う
문제를 대충 덮다

Origin & History

From covering cracks with wallpaper.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal