gloss over - Wiktionary, the free dictionary (original) (raw)

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

gloss over (third-person singular simple present glosses over, present participle glossing over, simple past and past participle glossed over)

(transitive, idiomatic) To cover up a mistake or a crime; to hush up or whitewash.
Synonym: paper over
They glossed over the problem, hoping that the customers wouldn't notice.
(transitive, idiomatic) To treat something with less care than it in some ways deserves; to ignore, or at least to discount or dismiss for the current purposes.
Coordinate term: shortchange
This book only glosses over quantum mechanics; it doesn't go into detail.
- 1923, Ernest Bramah, The Eyes of Max Carrados:
  "I am afraid that we are trespassing," said the doctor, awkward between his promise to the girl and the necessity of glossing over the situation. "My friend is interested in antiquities—"

to cover up a mistake or a crime; to hush up or whitewash

to treat something with less care than it deserves; to ignore