gloss over

IPA/ɡlˈɒs ˈəʊvə/
IPA/ɡlˈɔs ˈoʊvɚ/

gloss over — phrasal verb

  • gloss overbase form
  • glosses over3rd person singular
  • glossing over-ing form
  • glossed overpast simple

1. to mention a problem, mistake, or unpleasant subject only briefly or without det

1.片語動詞及物B2
釋義

to mention a problem, mistake, or unpleasant subject only briefly or without details, making it appear less important or serious than it really is.

例句

The director glossed over the budget problems and promised staff a bonus instead.

gloss over + noun phrase (budget problems)

During her trip, Sana glossed over the airport delay and talked about the beach.

contrast: glossed over X and talked about Y

同義詞
  • smooth over

    implies actively resolving tension rather than just avoiding the topic

  • downplay

    similar emphasis on reducing importance, but not limited to avoiding discussion

  • whitewash

    stronger, more negative — suggests deliberate deception or cover-up

反義詞
  • highlight

    to draw attention to something, the opposite of hiding it

  • address

    to deal with a problem directly instead of avoiding it

  • confront

    to face an unpleasant issue openly rather than skirting it

文法句型

gloss over + noun phrase

gloss over + wh-clause

用法筆記

Always transitive and inseparable — the object (the issue being avoided) follows directly after 'over', not between 'gloss' and 'over'. Frequently used in business, political, and personal contexts where someone deliberately avoids addressing a sensitive topic fully.

常見錯誤

❌She glossed about her past mistakes.
✅She glossed over her past mistakes.
💡The correct preposition is 'over', not 'about'.
❌The manager tried to gloss the problem over.
✅The manager tried to gloss over the problem.
💡Unlike separable phrasal verbs, 'gloss over' keeps 'over' attached to 'gloss'.