whitewash

• Substantiv mit mehreren Bedeutungen: eine Mischung aus Kalk und Wasser zum Tünchen von Wänden, der Versuch, Fehler oder Misserfolge zu vertuschen, oder ein Sportwettkampf, bei dem die unterlegene Mannschaft keinen einzigen Punkt erzielt.

A noun with multiple meanings: it can refer to a mixture of lime and water used for whitening walls, a deceptive attempt to conceal faults or failures, or a sporting defeat in which the losing side fails to score any points.

1. Sports shutoutB2informalsport

   A defeat in which the losing player or team fails to score any points.

   Zu-null-Niederlage

   • The team suffered a 5-0 whitewash in the final match.
   • It was a complete whitewash; the opponent didn't score a single point.
   • The defending champions avoided a whitewash with a last-minute goal.

   Synonymebagelgoose eggshutoutskunk

2. Coating mixtureB1formal

   A mixture of lime and water used for whitening walls, fences, or other surfaces.

   Weißkalk

   • The gardener applied a fresh coat of whitewash to the fence.
   • Whitewash is often used to protect brick walls from weathering.
   • They mixed the whitewash in a large bucket before painting.

   Synonymecalcimine

3. Deceptive cover-upC1formal

   A deliberate attempt to hide or gloss over faults, mistakes, or unpleasant facts.

   Vertuschung

   • The report was a whitewash of the company's environmental violations.
   • Critics called the investigation a whitewash to protect the officials.
   • The government's statement was seen as a whitewash of the scandal.

   Synonymecamouflageconcealmentcover-upfacademaskingsmokescreenveneerwindow dressing

   Antonymedisclosureexposurerevelation

• Verb, das das Verschleiern oder Beschönigen von Fehlern, Missständen oder Skandalen beschreibt oder wörtlich das Auftragen einer weißen Farbe auf eine Oberfläche.

A verb used to describe the act of covering up or glossing over faults, errors, or scandals, or literally applying a white coating to a surface.

1. Cover up a mistake or wrongdoingB2informal

   To deliberately hide or conceal a mistake, fault, or illegal action to avoid blame or scandal.

   Vertuschen

   • The company tried to whitewash the environmental scandal by paying off the inspectors.
   • Politicians often whitewash their failures during election campaigns.
   • The report was criticized for whitewashing the true extent of the problem.

   Synonymecamouflageconcealcover upgloss overhidehush upmasksuppresssweep under the rugveil

   Antonymediscloseexposereveal

2. Paint with whitewashB1formal

   To apply a mixture of lime and water to a surface, typically a wall or fence, to whiten it.

   Mit Kalk streichen

   • The farmer whitewashed the barn to protect it from the weather.
   • They whitewashed the old stone wall to give it a fresh look.
   • The fence was whitewashed every spring as part of the tradition.

   Synonymewhite

3. Exonerate through biased investigationC1formal

   To clear someone of blame or wrongdoing using a superficial or biased investigation that ignores evidence.

   Reinwaschen

   • The internal inquiry was seen as an attempt to whitewash the CEO's involvement.
   • Critics accused the committee of whitewashing the officer's misconduct.
   • The investigation was so perfunctory that it effectively whitewashed the entire affair.

   Antonymeblamecondemnconvictincriminate