sin (redirected from sins)

be as ugly as sin

to be very ugly. That dog of his is as ugly as sin.

See also: ugly

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, hide, multitude

for my sins (British & Australian, humorous)

something that you say in order to make a joke that something you have to do or something that you are is a punishment for being bad. I'm organizing the office Christmas party this year for my sins. I'm an Arsenal supporter for my sins.

live in sin (humorous)

to live with someone that you are having a sexual relationship with but are not married to. Last I heard they'd moved in together and were living in sin. (usually in continuous tenses)

See also: live

a sin tax (American, informal)

a tax on things that are bad for you, like cigarettes and alcohol. Politicians like a sin tax as it brings in lots of revenue and not too many complaints. (not used with the)

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cover a multitude of sins

hide a multitude of sins

See also: cover, multitude

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: hide, multitude

live in sin

to live with and have a sexual relationship with someone without being married. They know that others their age view their relationship as living in sin.

Usage notes: often considered to be an old-fashioned phrase

See also: live