Region: General | Usage example: They tried to sweep the budget shortfall under the rug.

Sweep it under the rug

Meaning

Ignore a problem and pretend it is gone.

Used when describing denial or cover-ups.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Literal meaning of hiding dirt beneath a rug.

Popularized in domestic contexts in the mid-20th century.