multitude

a multitude of sins

Any number of various flaws, imperfections, problems, mistakes, misdeeds, crimes, etc. I have begun to suspect that his charity work is meant to cover a multitude of sins. A lot of people self-conscious about their weight think that large, billowy clothing will hide a multitude of sins, but properly fitting clothes will actually do a much better job of it.
See also: multitude, of, sin

cover a multitude of sins

To conceal things that are unattractive or problematic. I need to wear a girdle to cover a multitude of sins. New drywall will cover a multitude of sins in the kitchen.
See also: cover, multitude, of, sin

hide a multitude of sins

To conceal things that are unattractive or problematic. I need to wear a girdle to hide a multitude of sins. New drywall will hide a multitude of sins in the kitchen.
See also: hide, multitude, of, sin
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

multitude of sins

Fig. many kinds of sins or errors. The term offensive covers a multitude of sins.
See also: multitude, of, sin
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

multitude of sins, cover a

Compensate for numerous evils, as in You may not be offering to help with the fair, but that big donation covers a multitude of sins . This expression originated in the New Testament (I Peter 4:8): "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."
See also: cover, multitude, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

cover a multitude of sins

or

hide a multitude of sins

If something covers a multitude of sins or hides a multitude of sins, it hides a lot of mistakes or things that are unpleasant or unattractive. `Strong, centralized government' is a term that can cover a multitude of sins. Wood is great for hiding a multitude of sins — rough, bumpy walls, pipes, and even wallpaper you can't face stripping. Note: This expression is used humorously.
See also: cover, multitude, of, sin
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

cover a multitude of sins

conceal or gloss over a lot of problems or defects.
This phrase refers to 1 Peter 4:8: ‘For charity shall cover the multitude of sins’.
See also: cover, multitude, of, sin
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

cover/hide a ˌmultitude of ˈsins

(often humorous) used to say that something is not as good as it looks, sounds, etc: The term ‘abstract art’ covers a multitude of sins. A coat of paint can hide a multitude of sins.This expression comes from the Bible. A multitude is a very large number of things.
See also: cover, hide, multitude, of, sin
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a multitude of sins
  • multitude of sins
  • warts and all
  • carry the can
  • atone
  • atone for
  • atone for (something)
  • answer for
  • goon-platoon
  • doghouse
References in classic literature
The multitude of evil Phanfasms eagerly applauded this plan, which they fully approved.
The Emerald City of Oz
That day the scattered multitudes began to realise the urgent need of provisions.
War Of The Worlds
The contemplation of the multitudes thronging the pavements extinguished his assurance under a load of doubt and uneasiness which he could only shake off after a period of seclusion in the room with the large cupboard closed by an enormous padlock.
The Secret Agent
Discerning the impracticable state of the poor culprit's mind, the elder clergyman, who had carefully prepared himself for the occasion, addressed to the multitude a discourse on sin, in all its branches, but with continual reference to the ignominious letter.
Scarlet Letter
But no sooner had the knights resumed their station, than the clamour of applause was hushed into a silence, so deep and so dead, that it seemed the multitude were afraid even to breathe.
Ivanhoe
Suddenly the multitude rolled backward, and approached the spot where he himself stood.
He followed the crowd, which drew nigh the lodges, gloomy and sullen, like any other multitude that had been disappointed in an execution.
Instead of mingling with his tribe, however, he sat apart, a solitary being in a multitude, his form shrinking into a crouching and abject attitude, as if anxious to fill as little space as possible.
Last of The Mohicans
He told Parliament's Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee that when visiting the Australian landmark in the 1950s he had "the extraordinary experience of diving on the reef and suddenly seeing this multitude of fantastic beautiful forms of life."
Sir David tells of reef damage; UK & WORLD
Overnight a multitude (and I am not exaggerating when I say multitude) have I intend to open a shop and call it Morrie and Son's and the logo would be M&S, the name reflects my Jewish heritage, what can possibly go wrong?
Time to get tough on the travellers
Feminism, politics, affect, commons, identity, multitude
On love as an (im)properly political concept
We move through life haunted by a multitude of people and places that exist only in memory, by ancestors we never knew, and by myths we're not sure we can believe.
The Multitude
The poem, titled "The Multitude," was paired with a woodcut by the local artist Michael Opalko and ran, advertisement-style, on posters adorning the sidewall panels of the buses.
The Multitude: a poster poem
The submarine crew of 150 will carry out a multitude of missions and at the same time showcase the capabilities of the submarine, the United States Embassy in Manila reported yesterday.
US sub visits Subic port
Her creations have won the designer a multitude of awards, which isn't surprising when you see just a small selection of them below.
Carol Kennelly and her hats are a winning combination.