Here are some ways to understand the meaning:
* Literal meaning: Whitewash was a traditional paint used to cover up imperfections in walls.
* Figurative meaning: Like white paint hiding flaws, "whitewash" refers to hiding or concealing negative aspects of a situation.
Example:
* "The government's investigation was a complete whitewash, failing to address the real problems."
Other related meanings:
* A complete victory: This usage is less common but still valid.
* "The team's performance was a whitewash, winning every single game."
Origin:
The idiom likely originated from the practice of using whitewash to conceal imperfections in buildings. The term came into popular usage in the 1800s, particularly in relation to political scandals.