Definition

Noun: 1. A covering consisting of anything intended to conceal something regarded as shameful: This meaning refers to an object, action, or idea used to hide an embarrassing or morally questionable fact or situation. 2. A leaf from a fig tree: This is the literal, botanical meaning, referring to the actual leaf of a fig (Ficus) plant.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Metaphorical): The new policy was merely a fig leaf for the government's inaction on the crisis.
• Noun (Literal): In the garden, a large fig leaf provided shade for the smaller plants beneath it.

Advanced Usage

• "to provide/offer a fig leaf": To give a thin or unconvincing excuse or cover for something.
  • The apology was offered as a fig leaf to placate public anger.
• "a fig leaf of respectability": A superficial gesture or measure intended to make something improper appear acceptable.
  • The charity event served as a fig leaf of respectability for the corporation's controversial practices.

Variants and Related Words

• Fig-leaf (adj., hyphenated): Used to describe something that serves as a cover or disguise.
  • They proposed a fig-leaf compromise that satisfied no one.

Synonyms

• Cover-up: An action intended to hide a mistake or crime.
• Pretext: A false reason given to conceal the real one.
• Facade: A deceptive outward appearance.
• Screen: Something used to conceal an activity.

Related Idioms

• A fig leaf of an excuse: An extremely weak or transparent excuse.
  • His explanation for being late was a fig leaf of an excuse.

Noun

1. a covering consisting of anything intended to conceal something regarded as shameful
2. a leaf from a fig tree