A multitude of sins Meaning in English

expression

US

uh MUHL-tuh-tood uhv SINZ

UK

uh MUL-ti-tyood ov SINZ

Definition

An expression meaning a large number of faults, mistakes, or problems. Often used metaphorically to describe something (like kindness, love, or money) that hides or excuses many flaws.

Usage & Nuances

Semi-formal/figurative; often used with 'cover', as in 'cover a multitude of sins'. Implies something hides or excuses many flaws. Not used for literal crimes or serious wrongdoing. Common in discussions of appearances, kindness, or superficial fixes.

• Spanish: muchos pecados (sentido literal) - muchos errores (sentido figurado) - tapar defectos (uso figurado)
• Portuguese (BR): uma multidão de pecados (literal) - muitos erros (figurado) - encobrir defeitos (figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): uma multidão de pecados (literal) - muitos erros (figurado) - encobrir defeitos (figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 许多过错（字面）- 掩盖缺点（引申）
• Chinese (Traditional): 許多過錯（字面）- 掩蓋缺點（引申）
• Hindi: बहुत सारे पाप (शाब्दिक अर्थ) - कई कमियाँ (रूपक अर्थ) - दोषों को छुपाना (प्रयोगात्मक)
• Arabic: عدد كبير من الخطايا (حرفي) - إخفاء العيوب (مجازي)
• Bengali: অনেক খুঁত - অনেক দোষ
• Russian: множество грехов - масса недостатков
• Japanese: 多くの欠点 - 多数の欠陥
• Vietnamese: nhiều khiếm khuyết - nhiều sai sót
• Korean: 수많은 단점 - 많은 결점
• Turkish: birçok kusur - birçok hata
• Urdu: بہت سی خامیاں - بہت سی کمزوریاں
• Indonesian: banyak kekurangan - banyak dosa (kiasan)

Example Sentences

A fresh coat of paint can cover a multitude of sins on old walls.

basic

Money can sometimes hide a multitude of sins in business.

basic

Kindness can cover a multitude of sins in relationships.

basic

That dress is beautiful—it really hides a multitude of sins!

natural

A little humor at work can cover a multitude of sins when meetings get tense.

natural

Sometimes a sincere apology can cover a multitude of sins from the past.

natural