hide

be on a hiding to nothing (British, informal)

to be in a situation where it is impossible to succeed. We were on a hiding to nothing trying to get more money out of the government.

See also: nothing

cover/hide a multitude of sins (humorous)

if something hides a multitude of sins, it prevents people from seeing or discovering something bad. Big sweaters are warm and practical and they hide a multitude of sins.

See also: cover, multitude, sin

haven't seen hide nor hair of someone/something (informal)

if you have not seen hide nor hair of someone or something, you have not seen them for a period of time. I haven't seen hide nor hair of her since last Sunday, and I'm beginning to get rather worried. (often + since)

See also: hair, haven't, nor, seen

hide your light under a bushel

to avoid letting people know that you are good at something, usually because you are shy. I didn't realize you could play the piano - you've been hiding your light under a bushel. (often in continuous tenses)

See also: light

tan someone's hide (old-fashioned)

to hit someone, usually a child, many times as a punishment. I'll tan that boy's hide if he touches my toolbox again.

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hide a multitude of sins

to prevent people from noticing something bad. I'm a messy eater, so I always wear black – it hides a multitude of sins.

Etymology: based on the saying love covers a multitude of sins from the Bible

See also: multitude, sin

hide your head in the sand

to refuse to think about an unpleasant situation. Teachers can't just hide their heads in the sand and not try to find out why students aren't doing better.

Usage notes: also used with bury and other verbs: All Olivia wanted to do was bury her head in the sand and forget everything.

See also: head, sand