multitude of sins

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
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.
See also:
  • a multitude of sins
  • multitude
  • warts and all
  • carry the can
  • atone
  • atone for
  • atone for (something)
  • answer for
  • goon-platoon
  • doghouse
References in classic literature
He was generous; and charity, as it is well known, covereth a multitude of sins, in another sense than that in which it is said to do so in Scripture.
Polly was not very wise, but she felt that every one about her found something more attractive than usual in her and modestly attributed Tom's devotion, Sydney's interest, and Frank's undisguised admiration, to the new bonnet or, more likely, to that delightful combination of cashmere, silk, and swan's-down, which, like Charity's mantle, seemed to cover a multitude of sins in other people's eyes and exalt the little music teacher to the rank of a young lady.
Love covers a multitude of sins, and of whom could you ask more freely than of him?
This is a charity that hides a multitude of sins. The philanthropist too often surrounds mankind with the remembrance of his own castoff griefs as an atmosphere, and calls it sympathy.
A cloak (on a woman's back) is an emblem of charity-- it covers a multitude of sins. I saw her set off northwards along the coast, after leaving the cottage.
To accessorise, try mirror sunnies, minimal gold jewellery and throw in a wide-brimmed hat to hide a multitude of sins.
In his Easter message to the Lebanese on Good Friday, the Patriarch said, "Our hands are stretched out to shake hands and our hearts are open to forgiveness, for we are the sons of the resurrection...for we are the children of Christ." "My beloved, in the days of war and hardship, what the Church is afraid of is to have bitterness in the hearts by death or poverty...It fears that the sorrow which governs the hearts would infiltrate into the multitude of sins, the sins of man himself and the sins of others.
I know that phrase can cover a multitude of sins, but, in this case, it looks to be true.
Oversized knits hide a multitude of sins, but balance out with fitted pieces on your bottom half to avoid looking swamped.
Who will go for the fluorescent reading glasses and waterfall cardigan (covers a multitude of sins!) look.
Analysts urged Punjab govt to make report public at earliest and warned that any delay would generate perception that govt is trying to cover multitude of sins.
A big white tablecloth is a lifesaver if your outdoor table is a bit makeshift - it will cover a multitude of sins.
"This group are good on the counterattack and have got good athleticism which goes a long way when you're at a young age and can cover a multitude of sins."
Bliss Fatgirlslim Hide & Glow Sleek Firming and Luminous Tinted Body Spray, PS30 (www.blissworld.co.uk) THE spray is easy and quick to use - and although I didn't find it particularly 'firming', the added plus point of being tinted means it hides a multitude of sins. The tint is incredibly natural and requires very little blending - perfect for getting those pins out during the colder months.
Amanda in cutaway Stella McCartney was a particular standout look, and it is easy to see why you would choose black - it is slimming and hides a multitude of sins.