under the rug: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘under the rug’ mean?
The idiom "under the rug" means to hide or ignore something, usually a problem or issue, rather than dealing with it directly or openly.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "under the rose" means to keep something confidential or secret. It originates from the practice of hanging roses above tables in ancient Rome to signify that discussions held there were meant to be private. The idiom implies the need for discretion or the desire to maintain secrecy.
The idiom "under the radar" means to go unnoticed or undetected, especially in a way that avoids attention, scrutiny, or surveillance.
The idiom "under the covers" means to be in bed and completely hidden by the bedcovers.
The idiom "under the carpet" means to hide or conceal something, usually a problem or an issue, in order to avoid dealing with it or addressing it properly.
The idiom "under someone's nose" means that something is happening or someone is doing something right in front of someone else and they are completely unaware of it.
The idiom "under one's hat" means to keep something a secret or to refrain from sharing information with others.
The idiom "under a cloud" means to be in a situation where one's reputation or character is under suspicion or in a state of disrepute.
The idiom "throw under the bus" means to betray or sacrifice someone to protect oneself or shift blame onto them.
The idiom "sweep something under the rug" means to hide or ignore a problem or mistake instead of dealing with it openly.
The idiom "slip under the radar" means to go unnoticed or undetected, typically referring to someone or something avoiding scrutiny or attention.
Mysterious Secrets Explored
"under the carpet" is another idiom that relates to the concept of hiding or concealing something. It is similar to "under the rug" in that it suggests the act of avoiding or ignoring an issue, but it specifically emphasizes the idea of doing so covertly. Just as one might physically sweep something under a rug to hide it from view, "under the carpet" suggests the secretive nature of covering up or evading a problem. This idiom can be used interchangeably with "under the rug" to convey the same meaning of avoiding confrontation or hiding issues.
"sweep something under the rug" is a phrase that directly references the action of physically hiding something under a rug. This idiom is often used figuratively to describe the act of concealing or ignoring a problem or issue. Just as physically sweeping dirt or dust under a rug temporarily hides it from view, "sweeping something under the rug" implies the act of temporarily avoiding or disregarding a problem rather than addressing it directly. This phrase is often used to criticize or call out someone for not dealing with a problem in a proper or transparent manner.
"under the radar" is a phrase that is used to describe something or someone that goes unnoticed or undetected. While it does not directly relate to the act of hiding or concealing a problem, it shares a similar theme of things being hidden from view. It suggests that something is happening or existing without attracting attention or scrutiny. This phrase can be used to describe situations where something is intentionally kept low-profile or undercover, often to avoid detection or public scrutiny. While not directly synonymous with "under the rug," "under the radar" can be used in a similar context to describe the act of avoiding or evading attention.
"cover up" is a phrase that directly relates to the act of hiding or concealing information, often with the intention of preventing it from being known or discovered. While it does not specifically mention a rug or involve physical sweeping, it carries the same underlying theme of hiding or suppressing something. "Cover up" can be used to describe instances where someone tries to hide or downplay an issue or wrongdoing. It often has negative connotations, implying that the act of covering up is deceitful or dishonest. This phrase can be used interchangeably with "under the rug" or "sweep something under the rug" to convey the idea of concealing or avoiding an issue for the purpose of evading consequences or maintaining a certain image.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *under the rug* can be used in a sentence:
- She wanted to sweep the problem under the rug and avoid any further discussion about it.
- The company tried to hide their financial losses by sweeping them under the rug.
- Instead of addressing the issue head-on, the politician chose to sweep it under the rug and hope it would go away.
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