Region: General | Usage example: They swept the issue under the rug hoping no one would notice.

Sweep under the rug

Meaning

Ignore or conceal problems instead of addressing them.

Used to criticize avoidance or denial.

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

Metaphor from hiding dirt under rugs instead of cleaning.

Used in social commentary to highlight negligence.