skate over

verb

1. to cross on or as if on skates
2. to avoid dealing with (a matter) fully

Idioms and Phrases

Treat superficially or hurriedly, avoid mentioning, as in He concentrated on the main points of the contract and skated over the details . This idiom transfers the gliding motion of skating to dealing with something in a cursory way. [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

Representatives of both firms kept their public remarks vague Tuesday, skating over specific instances of corruption they may have come across and focusing instead on recommendations to strengthen county contracting.

From Los Angeles Times

The 29-year-old skates over 24 minutes a game for Toronto, and his contributions in all facets are difficult to replace.

From Seattle Times

Gia smiled, her blue eyes skating over them.

From Literature

It was actually Gourde, who skated over to center ice to do the honors, looking bemused.

From Seattle Times

‘Oppenheimer’ is right about some aspects of the Manhattan Project, wrong about others, and skates over aspects that you might find interesting.

From Los Angeles Times