臭くさい物ものに蓋ふたをする

expression, suru verb (irregular)

look the other way; hush up a problem; sweep under the rug

Idiomatic expression meaning to ignore or cover up an unpleasant issue rather than dealing with it openly. Often used critically to describe avoiding necessary confrontation.

• 会かい社しゃは不ふ祥しょう事じを臭くさい物ものに蓋ふたをするように隠かくした。

  The company covered up the scandal as if putting a lid on something smelly.

• 問もん題だいを臭くさい物ものに蓋ふたをするのではなく、きちんと話はなし合あうべきだ。

  Instead of sweeping the problem under the rug, we should discuss it properly.