fig leaf

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noun

the leaf of a fig tree.

a representation of a fig leaf, used as an ornament in architecture, as a cover for the genitalia on a statue or in a painting, etc.

something intended to conceal what may be considered indecorous or indecent: to approach the facts of life with the fig leaves of roundabout expressions.

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have

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Origin of fig leaf

First recorded in 1525–35

Words nearby fig leaf

fight-or-flight reaction, fight-or-flight response, fight shy of, fight tooth and nail, figjam, fig leaf, fig marigold, figment, figment of one's imagination, Figueres, figuline

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use fig leaf in a sentence

A lot of us Republicans are having trouble getting the leaf blower started.
The GOP Senate: A New Utopia Dawns|P. J. O’Rourke|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Where does this “Arab Tea Leaf” come from, according to the talking heads?
Chinese Getting Hooked on the Middle East's Favorite Drug|Brendon Hong|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Grown in the jungle by the indigenous Kichwa, guayusa (gwhy-you-sa) is a sacred leaf used in ceremonial rituals.
Bye Bye Latté, Hello Guayusa: Why The Amazon Holds the Secret to a Cleaner, Healthier Caffeine|Brandon Presser|August 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Obviously, I buy in bulk and I buy from a specialty gold leaf wholesaler on the West Coast.
Lina Viktor Is the Artist Who Paints With Gold|Erin Cunningham|May 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Or is Rand co-opting them by merely using his newfound adviser as a fig leaf?
Is Rand Paul a Secret Hawk? Or Maybe Not a Total Dove?|James Kirchick|May 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Frequently they are found in alveolar arrangement, retaining the original outline of the alveoli of the lung (Fig. 4, b).
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Each is surrounded by a gelatinous capsule, which is its distinctive feature (Fig. 9).
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
The specific gravity is most conveniently estimated by means of the urinometer—Squibb's is preferable (Fig. 14).
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Crystals of urea nitrate or oxalate (Fig. 19) will soon appear and can be recognized with the microscope.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Hydrogen sulphid is easily prepared in the simple apparatus shown in Fig. 30.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd

British Dictionary definitions for fig leaf

fig leaf

noun

a leaf from a fig tree

a representation of a leaf, usually a vine leaf rather than an actual fig leaf, used in painting or sculpture to cover the genitals of nude figures

a device intended to conceal something regarded as shameful or indecent

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

fig leaf

Origin of fig leaf

Words nearby fig leaf

Words related to fig leaf

How to use fig leaf in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for fig leaf