paper over the cracks

Значение

to hide problems instead of solving them

Скрывать проблемы вместо того, чтобы их решать.

Примеры

1. 1A quick apology won't fix their friendship; it only papers over the cracks.
2. 2The manager papered over the cracks in the team until two people resigned.
3. 3Giving everyone a bonus just papered over the cracks; the real problem was the long hours.
4. 4We can't keep papering over the cracks; the club needs a completely new plan.
5. 5Did the new rules solve anything, or did they just paper over the cracks?

Грамматика

Меняется только paper: papers, papering, papered. the cracks — во множественном числе.