a 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:
  • multitude
  • multitude of sins
  • warts and all
  • carry the can
  • atone
  • atone for
  • atone for (something)
  • answer for
  • goon-platoon
  • doghouse
References in periodicals archive
The full skirt is having a major fashion moment this season and it's a trend we can all dabble with because it hides a multitude of sins, plus the high waist cinches you in at your smallest part.
SUNDAY GIRL; YOUR WARDROBE
It skims over a multitude of sins and gives you two-for-one as each can be worn separately.
Atterley gorgeous; Be streets ahead of other fashionistas this season by beating a path along to Atterley Road and picking up timeless pieces from the best up-and-coming European brands
A little bit of nail varnish can hide a multitude of sins.
HOT SPUDS SOGGY VEG
Yes, it may be predictable, but a decent cast and some stirring music cover a multitude of sins.
The Fighting Temptations (Sky Movies Comedy, 8pm)
Plinths conceal a multitude of sins, not least flooring that isn't extended underneath the units, but they do give a more traditional look, which you may not want.
Quick Fix; Short answers to tricky questions
The full quotation states: "Above all, cherish for each other a love that is constant and intense, because love covers a multitude of sins." The love of which he speaks is a very special one because it loves the unlovely and the unlovable.
COMMENT & ANALYSIS: THOUGHT for the DAY
CHIANTI can cover a multitude of sins from a ceramic flask served in a piazza in Rome to a world-class Castello dei Rampola Sammarco.
Wine
If it's true that love makes up for a multitude of sins, then there's plenty here to make up for.
Chocolate Sangria
THE little black dress can now hide a multitude of sins for longer thanks to a new soap powder that locks pigment into the fabric.
...If only Monica had tried Persil
Further relevant passages include the emphasis in Hebrews on hospitality and alms, and in I Peter the view that love covers a multitude of sins. In I Clement, along with evidence of social tensions, Garrison finds the view that hospitality expresses love, that the grateful poor pray for the rich, and that love covers sins and leads to their forgiveness.
Redemptive Almsgiving in Early Christianity
But he said: ``A lot of players are blessed with far greater ability than myself but hard work can hide a multitude of sins.
Football: Modest Pressley