Cover one’s tracks

Meaning

The idiom "cover one’s tracks" refers to taking steps to hide or conceal the evidence of one's actions, decisions, or mistakes. It can also mean making sure that one's actions or plans are not discovered or traced back to oneself. The figurative meaning of this idiom is often used in a negative sense to describe someone who is trying to avoid responsibility or accountability for their behavior.

Usage

• After making the mistake, she quickly covered her tracks by blaming someone else for it.
• He tried to cover his tracks by deleting all the incriminating emails from his computer.
• The government is often accused of covering its tracks when it comes to corruption scandals.
• She realized that she had been covering her tracks for too long and decided to come clean about her mistakes.
• When confronted with evidence, he tried to cover his tracks by changing his story. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe positive actions as well, such as taking steps to protect oneself or one's interests. For example: "She covered her tracks by researching the company before accepting the job offer."

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it may have come from the practice of covering animal tracks in hunting to avoid detection. In the early 20th century, the phrase was used to describe someone who was trying to avoid responsibility or accountability for their behavior. Over time, the meaning has evolved to include both positive and negative actions that involve hiding evidence or traces of one's actions.

Synonyms in English

• Cover up
• Hide traces
• Erase tracks
• Conceal evidence
• Keep secrets

Synonyms in other languages

• French: couvrir ses pas (to cover one's footsteps)
• Spanish: cubrir sus huellas (to cover one's footprints)
• German: Verdäcken (to track down)
• Italian: seguire le orme (to follow tracks)
• Portuguese: rastrear (to trace)

Similar Idioms

• cut the mustard

• cross the bridge

• camp follower