Basic Details
Word: Whitewash
Part of Speech: Noun and Verb
Meaning: As a noun, it means a type of paint made of lime and water used to make surfaces white or brighter. As a verb, it means to deliberately conceal unpleasant facts about something to make it appear better.
Synonyms: Paint, cover-up
Antonyms: Expose, reveal
Idioms and Phrases
- Whitewash the facts: To hide the truth about a situation. Example: "The manager tried to whitewash the facts of the poor sales figures during the meeting."
- Whitewashed history: A version of history that has been changed to make it look better. Example: "That textbook presents a whitewashed history of the war, omitting many important events."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The old barn was in need of a fresh coat of whitewash to look inviting again.
Example 2: The politician attempted to whitewash the scandal, but the truth eventually came out.
Example 3: Using whitewash on the garden fence gave it a clean and fresh appearance.
Fun Fact
Whitewash has been used for centuries as a cheap and effective way to paint buildings and fences; it is made primarily of slaked lime, water, and pigments to create a bright white colour.
Famous Quote
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." - Jonathan Swift
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "whitewash" mean as a noun?
a) A type of animal
b) A kind of food
c) A type of paint
d) A drink
Answer: c) A type of paint
2. Which of these is a synonym of "whitewash"?
a) Cover-up
b) Reveal
c) Information
d) Rest
Answer: a) Cover-up
3. What is an antonym for "whitewash"?
a) N/A
b) Expose
c) Conceal
d) Hide
Answer: b) Expose
4. Which sentence uses "whitewash" correctly?
a) She decided to whitewash the chair bright red.
b) The children whitewashed their home for the festive season.
c) He tried to whitewash the problem instead of solving it.
d) They whitewashed the car to make it faster.
Answer: c) He tried to whitewash the problem instead of solving it.
5. In which idiom is "whitewash" used?
a) Whitewashed history
b) As clear as water
c) Stone cold
d) Silent as a mouse
Answer: a) Whitewashed history
