Plaster over Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To cover a surface with plaster or, figuratively, to hide a problem or imperfection instead of fixing it.

Usage & Nuances

Common in both literal (construction) and figurative (problem-solving) contexts. In figurative use, often critical—suggesting someone hides the issue instead of fixing it. Often paired with words like 'problem', 'cracks', or 'mistakes'. Informal register.

• Spanish: cubrir con yeso - tapar (problema)
• Portuguese (BR): cobrir com gesso - encobrir (problema)
• Portuguese (PT): cobrir com gesso - encobrir (problema)
• Chinese (Simplified): 用石膏覆盖 - 掩盖（问题）
• Chinese (Traditional): 用石膏覆蓋 - 掩飾（問題）
• Hindi: प्लास्टर चढ़ाना - ढाँपना (समस्या)
• Arabic: تغطية بالجص - التغطية (على مشكلة)
• Bengali: প্লাস্টার লাগানো - সমস্যা ঢেকে ফেলা
• Russian: замазывать - скрывать (проблему)
• Japanese: 上塗りする - 問題を隠す
• Vietnamese: trát vữa lên - che đậy (vấn đề)
• Korean: 석고로 덮다 - (문제를) 감추다
• Turkish: alçıyla kaplamak - üstünü kapatmak (sorun)
• Urdu: پلستر کرنا - مسئلہ چھپانا
• Indonesian: melapisi dengan plester - menutupi (masalah)

Example Sentences

The workers will plaster over the wall.

basic

She tried to plaster over the crack in the ceiling.

basic

He used paint to plaster over the old marks.

basic

You can't just plaster over the real issues in this company.

natural

They tried to plaster over their mistakes with excuses.

natural

If you keep trying to plaster over problems, they'll just get worse.

natural