whitewash

• Nom avec plusieurs sens : peut désigner un mélange de chaux et d'eau pour blanchir les murs, une tentative trompeuse de dissimuler des défauts ou des échecs, ou une défaite sportive où le perdant ne marque aucun point.

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.

   Blanchissage (sport)

   • 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.

   Synonymesbagelgoose eggshutoutskunk

2. Coating mixtureB1formal

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

   Badigeon à la chaux

   • 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.

   Synonymescalcimine

3. Deceptive cover-upC1formal

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

   Dissimulation trompeuse

   • 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.

   Synonymescamouflageconcealmentcover-upfacademaskingsmokescreenveneerwindow dressing

   Antonymesdisclosureexposurerevelation

• Verbe utilisé pour décrire l'action de dissimuler ou d'embellir des défauts, erreurs ou scandales, ou littéralement d'appliquer un enduit blanc sur une surface.

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.

   dissimuler une faute

   • 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.

   Synonymescamouflageconcealcover upgloss overhidehush upmasksuppresssweep under the rugveil

   Antonymesdiscloseexposereveal

2. Paint with whitewashB1formal

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

   Badigeonner à la chaux

   • 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.

   Synonymeswhite

3. Exonerate through biased investigationC1formal

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

   Blanchir (par enquête partiale)

   • 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.

   Antonymesblamecondemnconvictincriminate