brush (something) under the mat
To ignore, deny, or conceal from public view or knowledge something that is embarrassing, unappealing, or damaging to one's reputation. The senator has been accused of trying to brush his former drug use under the mat. You need to stop brushing your problems under the mat. Nothing will get resolved like that! I was so mortified by my mistake that I immediately tried to brush it under the mat.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.