Do not index
Do not index
What does "Sweep it under the rug" mean?
To ignore or conceal a problem or issue instead of addressing it.
When do you use "Sweep it under the rug"?
Use this phrase when discussing situations where individuals or groups choose to ignore significant problems or challenges, often to avoid conflict or discomfort. It is appropriate in personal, professional, or social contexts where avoidance behavior is evident.
"Sweep it under the rug" Usage Examples
- Instead of addressing the budget cuts, the management decided to sweep it under the rug and hope no one would notice.
- She knew there were issues in their relationship, but she chose to sweep them under the rug rather than confront them.
- The company swept the safety violations under the rug until they faced a major lawsuit.
- Rather than dealing with the harassment complaints, the school administration tried to sweep it under the rug.
- It's easier to sweep problems under the rug than to tackle them head-on, but that only leads to bigger issues later.
"Sweep it under the rug" Explained
The phrase 'sweep it under the rug' suggests the act of hiding something undesirable or problematic, much like one would sweep dirt under a rug to keep it out of sight. This metaphor reflects a common human tendency to avoid confrontation or to neglect issues rather than dealing with them directly. The imagery of sweeping implies a temporary solution that does not resolve the underlying issue.