cover a multitude of sins

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.

See also: cover, multitude, of, sin

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

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

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

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