Sweep something under the rug
Meaning
To conceal a problem, mistake, or unpleasant situation in an attempt to ignore or avoid addressing it publicly.
Origin
The vivid image of sweeping dirt under a rug is as old as floor coverings themselves, representing a quick, lazy, and dishonest way to deal with a mess. Instead of properly cleaning, one simply shoves the unpleasantness out of sight, hoping it will be forgotten. This literal act of concealment became a potent metaphor in the early 20th century, particularly in American English. It perfectly captured the political and social inclination for organizations and individuals to hide scandals, mistakes, or uncomfortable truths from public scrutiny, maintaining a facade of integrity while the actual problem festered beneath the surface.
Examples
- The company tried to sweep the safety violations under the rug, hoping no one would notice before the inspection.
- Rather than apologize, he attempted to sweep his bad behavior under the rug and pretend it never happened.