Phrasal verb
cover up
Meanings
To hide the truth about something wrong, embarrassing, or illegal so that others do not find out.
To put something over a person or object so it cannot be seen or to protect it.
Definition
To cover up means to hide the truth about something wrong or embarrassing.
To cover up is to try to stop other people from learning the truth about a mistake, problem, or wrongdoing. It often involves hiding evidence, giving misleading information, or creating a false story. People may cover up events to avoid blame or protect someone.
Examples
- The manager tried to cover up the mistake before the customer noticed.
- I can’t believe they would cover up what really happened at the meeting.
- She used makeup to cover up the bruise on her arm.
- We cover up the grill when it starts to rain.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “cover up” (hide the truth) with “cover” (simply protect or include), as in saying “cover the scandal” instead of “cover up the scandal.”
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.