Definition of the word whitewash

Pronunciation of vocabulary whitewash

whitewashnoun

minh oan

/ˈwaɪtwɒʃ//ˈwaɪtwɑːʃ/

Origin of the word whitewash

The term "whitewash" originates from the practice of using a mixture of chalk and water to cover flaws and blemishes on walls and surfaces. This practice dates back to the 16th century. Over time, the term evolved to describe concealing or covering up unpleasant or embarrassing situations, like a politician using a press conference to gloss over a scandal. This metaphorical meaning first appeared in the 19th century, emphasizing the act of hiding something unpleasant with a superficial layer of white paint.

Vocabulary summary whitewash

typenoun

meaninglime water (wall paint)

meaning(figurative) vindication; exoneration

exampleto whitewash the reputation of a person

typetransitive verb

meaningwhiten

meaning(figurative) to clear one's name; to exonerate

exampleto whitewash the reputation of a person

meaning(passive form) to be tried by the court and allowed to do business again (insolvent person)

Example of vocabulary whitewashnamespace

meaning

a mixture of chalk or lime and water, used for painting houses and walls white

hỗn hợp phấn hoặc vôi và nước, dùng để sơn nhà và tường màu trắng

meaning

an attempt to hide unpleasant facts about somebody/something

cố gắng che giấu sự thật khó chịu về ai đó/cái gì đó

  • The opposition claimed the report was a whitewash.

    Phe đối lập cho rằng báo cáo này là một sự minh oan.

meaning

(in sport) a victory in every game in a series

(trong thể thao) chiến thắng ở mọi trận đấu trong một loạt trận

  • a 7–0 whitewash

    minh oan 7–0

  • a whitewash victory

    một chiến thắng minh oan

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary whitewash


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