multitude

a multitude of sins

Any number of various flaws, imperfections, problems, mistakes, misdeeds, crimes, etc. I have begun to suspect that his charity work is meant to cover a multitude of sins. A lot of people self-conscious about their weight think that large, billowy clothing will hide a multitude of sins, but properly fitting clothes will actually do a much better job of it. New drywall will hide a multitude of sins in the kitchen.

See also: multitude, of, sin

cover a multitude of sins

To conceal things that are unattractive or problematic. I need to wear a girdle to cover a multitude of sins. New drywall will cover a multitude of sins in the kitchen. I heard that guy's a mob boss, so I bet his charity work is meant to cover a multitude of sins.

See also: cover, multitude, of, sin

hide a multitude of sins

To conceal things that are unattractive or problematic. I need to wear a girdle to hide a multitude of sins. New drywall will hide a multitude of sins in the kitchen. I heard that guy's a mob boss, so I bet his charity work is meant to hide a multitude of sins.

See also: hide, multitude, of, sin

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

multitude of sins

Fig. many kinds of sins or errors. The term offensive covers a multitude of sins.

See also: multitude, of, sin

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

multitude of sins, cover a

Compensate for numerous evils, as in You may not be offering to help with the fair, but that big donation covers a multitude of sins . This expression originated in the New Testament (I Peter 4:8): "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."

See also: cover, multitude, of

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

cover a multitude of sins

or

hide a multitude of sins

If something covers a multitude of sins or hides a multitude of sins, it hides a lot of mistakes or things that are unpleasant or unattractive. `Strong, centralized government' is a term that can cover a multitude of sins. Wood is great for hiding a multitude of sins — rough, bumpy walls, pipes, and even wallpaper you can't face stripping. Note: This expression is used humorously.

See also: cover, multitude, of, sin

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

cover a multitude of sins

conceal or gloss over a lot of problems or defects.

This phrase refers to 1 Peter 4:8: ‘For charity shall cover the multitude of sins’.

See also: cover, multitude, of, sin

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

cover/hide a ˌmultitude of ˈsins

(often humorous) used to say that something is not as good as it looks, sounds, etc: The term ‘abstract art’ covers a multitude of sins. ♢ A coat of paint can hide a multitude of sins.This expression comes from the Bible. A multitude is a very large number of things.

See also: cover, hide, multitude, of, sin

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017