sugarcoat
Meaning(s)
1. make something seem less unpleasant or negative than it really is
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
sugarcoat the truth/fact/opinion
Analysis
This expression, adapted from the process of coating medicine, particularly tablets, with sugar in order to disguise the unpleasant taste and therefore make them easier to swallow, is used to refer to making something bad seem more acceptable, or easier to cope with and accept. Usually this is done through speech, and can often involve lying, or, at the very least, witholding the full truth of something. It is common in both a social and professional context, and shares a similar meaning to the phrases 'whitewash' and 'gloss over.'
Social Examples (Basic)
- There's no point sugarcoating it; just tell me what you really think!
- I sugarcoated the truth about what happened to Harry's car in order to make myself look less guilty.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Let's not sugarcoat the fact that sales have been down these past few months. We need to identify the problem and tackle it head on.