fig leaf
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a post on his social network X, Musk described the ruling as a terrible precedent and accused the judge of using the jury as a fig leaf.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
“This is just a fig leaf to deflect from criticism,” Ocasio-Cortez posted on X External link in response to Kalshi’s new measures.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
“These technologies — whether it is our pathway of direct air capture or other carbon removal technologies — should not be a fig leaf for additional fossil fuel expansion,” Aiyer said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2024
This bit of casual cruelty came packaged with an expensive fig leaf: A $50,000 reward to anyone who shares information leading to the suspect's capture.
From Salon • May 2, 2023
The black box: a fig leaf in reverse, concealing identity while leaving shame exposed.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
