cover-up

[ kuhv-er-uhp ]
See synonyms for cover-up on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. any action, stratagem, or other means of concealing or preventing investigation or exposure.

  2. Also cov·er·up . any of various women's garments, as loose blouses, jump suits, caftans, or sarongs, worn over a swimsuit, exercise clothing, or the like.

Origin of cover-up

1
First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase cover up

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use cover-up in a sentence

  • There were infinite possibilities for "the greaser" to pocket a goodly share of the profits, and "cover up his tracks."

    Ancestors | Gertrude Atherton
  • Wildly and vainly did he strive even then to cover up the foolish thing that he had done.

    St. Martin's Summer | Rafael Sabatini
  • An untruth is passed over carelessly and the child allowed to cover up its sins without realizing their sinfulness.

  • "It makes me think of spectres and shrieking ghosts," said Robbie, as he drew the cover up closer, and cuddled down by Clifford.

  • But the minute he heard her comin'—and he could hear her a mile—he'd cover up his knowledge again.

British Dictionary definitions for cover-up

cover-up

noun
  1. concealment or attempted concealment of a mistake, crime, etc

verbcover up (adverb)
  1. (tr) to cover completely

  2. (when intr, often foll by for) to attempt to conceal (a mistake or crime): she tried to cover up for her friend

  1. (intr) boxing to defend the body and head with the arms

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with cover-up

cover-up

Wrap up or enfold in order to protect. For example, Be sure to cover up the outdoor furniture in case of rain, or It's cold, so be sure to cover up the baby. [Late 1800s]

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.