Grammar fix
paper over
conceal problems (figurative)
to hide or cover up problems or disagreements, especially by making them seem less serious than they really are, rather than actually solving them
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The company tried to paper over the financial problems, but the truth eventually came out.
In my opinion, introducing new policies without addressing the root causes simply papers over the issues rather than creating lasting change.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: They papered the problem.
Say: They papered over the problem.
It needs 'over' — 'paper over' the cracks/differences.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
The idiom 'paper over (the cracks)' is vivid; the literal paraphrase is flat.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
paper over the cracks
- paper over the cracks
- paper over
- differences
- the divisions