under the carpet: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘under the carpet’ mean?
The idiom "under the carpet" means to hide or conceal something, usually a problem or an issue, in order to avoid dealing with it or addressing it properly.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "under the rug" means to hide or ignore something, usually a problem or issue, rather than dealing with it directly or openly.
The idiom "under the radar" means to go unnoticed or undetected, especially in a way that avoids attention, scrutiny, or surveillance.
The idiom "under the covers" means to be in bed and completely hidden by the bedcovers.
The idiom "under someone's nose" means that something is happening or someone is doing something right in front of someone else and they are completely unaware of it.
ng things that are right in front of us. It serves as a reminder to always stay alert and attentive, as important information or opportunities may slip "under our noses" if we are not paying close attention.
The idiom "under one's hat" means to keep something a secret or to refrain from sharing information with others.
The idiom "under a cloud" means to be in a situation where one's reputation or character is under suspicion or in a state of disrepute.
The idiom "under a cloud" has several meanings and interpretations, but they all share a common theme of being associated with negative or suspicious circumstances.
The idiom "throw under the bus" means to betray or sacrifice someone to protect oneself or shift blame onto them.
Throw under the bus is an idiom that originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. The literal meaning of the phrase refers to physically pushing someone underneath a moving bus, resulting in harm or injury. However, its figurative usage has become more prevalent and well-known.
The idiom "sweep something under the rug" means to hide or ignore a problem or mistake instead of dealing with it openly.
The idiom "slip under the radar" means to go unnoticed or undetected, typically referring to someone or something avoiding scrutiny or attention.
The idiom "skeleton in the cupboard" refers to a hidden or embarrassing secret or past action that someone wants to keep concealed.
Skeleton in the cupboard is an idiom that is commonly used in both British and American English. It is often used to refer to a shameful or embarrassing secret that someone has and wants to keep hidden from others. The idiom suggests that the secret is something that is deeply hidden and potentially damaging.
Unveiling Deception
under the rug is another idiom that is closely related to under the carpet. This phrase shares a similar meaning and is often used interchangeably. Just like under the carpet, under the rug refers to the act of hiding or concealing something, usually a problem or an issue, in order to avoid dealing with it directly. It suggests that the problem or issue is being swept under the metaphorical rug, where it remains hidden and unresolved.
The idiom under the rug is derived from the literal act of sweeping dirt or unwanted objects under a rug to hide them from view. This practice is similar to sweeping things under a carpet and can be traced back to various cultures around the world. Over time, the metaphorical meaning of hiding or ignoring something by sweeping it "under the rug" emerged as an alternative to under the carpet.
Another related idiom is sweep something under the rug. This phrase is more specific and emphasizes the action of intentionally hiding or ignoring something in order to avoid addressing it. It is often used when referring to a deliberate attempt to conceal information or a problem. When someone sweeps something under the rug, they are actively avoiding dealing with it and hoping that it will go unnoticed.
under the radar is yet another idiom that shares a connection with under the carpet. This phrase is often used to describe something that is not receiving attention or going unnoticed. It suggests that something is not being detected or considered by others, similar to how something hidden under a carpet or rug may go unnoticed unless closely examined. When something is under the radar, it is not receiving the attention or scrutiny it deserves.
Lastly, cover up is another idiom that relates to under the carpet. This phrase is often used to describe the act of concealing or hiding the truth or facts about a particular situation. When someone covers something up, they are intentionally trying to prevent others from discovering or knowing something. This can be done to protect one's reputation, avoid accountability, or maintain a certain image. Just like under the carpet, cover up implies that something is being hidden or obscured.
Under the carpet is an idiom that is widely recognized and used in the English language. It refers to the act of hiding or concealing something, typically a problem or an issue, in order to avoid addressing it directly. This idiom shares a similar meaning with under the rug, sweep something under the rug, under the radar, and cover up. These related idioms emphasize the act of hiding, ignoring, or concealing certain information or problems. They suggest that these hidden issues may resurface or have consequences if not properly addressed. While the origins of under the carpet are not exact, the idiom has become an established and widely understood phrase in the English-speaking world.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "under the carpet" can be used in a sentence:
- He tried to sweep his mistake under the carpet, hoping no one would notice.
- The company's unethical practices were swept under the carpet by their PR team.
- The government is accused of repeatedly brushing important issues under the carpet.
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