Sweeping problems under the rug
Meaning
To deliberately ignore or conceal an issue rather than addressing it directly and openly.
Origin
This phrase is wonderfully illustrative, drawing its power from a common, relatable domestic scene. Imagine a busy home: a sudden spill, a dusty corner, or crumbs scattered after a quick snack. Instead of grabbing a dustpan and broom for a proper clean, it's all too tempting for a moment's convenience to just sweep the offending mess to the edge of the room and then, with a swift movement, push it out of sight beneath a decorative rug. The dirt isn't gone; it's merely hidden, destined to be tripped over later or create an unsightly lump. This literal act of concealment, prioritizing superficial tidiness over genuine resolution, perfectly translates to the metaphorical act of avoiding difficult issues, pretending they don't exist until they inevitably resurface.
Examples
- Instead of confronting the growing budget deficit, the city council kept sweeping problems under the rug, hoping they would disappear.
- Their marriage finally broke down because they had been sweeping problems under the rug for years, letting resentment fester.