fig leaf
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.
Origin of fig leaf
1Words Nearby fig leaf
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use fig leaf in a sentence
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 | THE DAILY BEASTTo say that a consignment is “in compliance” with packing regulations is a mere fig leaf.
Passenger Flights Must Stop Carrying Lithium-Ion Batteries as Cargo | Clive Irving | May 5, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTFinally in 2003, the absurdity of the explosive numbers forced MLB to institute a fig leaf of testing.
This fig leaf of legality must be stripped away, otherwise violence will persist.
Satellites Correctly Predict Military Campaign Against Civilians in Sudan | Akshaya Kumar | December 9, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThat leaves Tzipi LIvni, who appears with each passing day to be little more than a fig leaf.
Israeli Deputy Defense Minister: Government 'Will Be Against' Any Palestinian State | Ali Gharib | June 6, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
He laughed weakly at the recollection, for she had been as innocent of garb as Eve before the fig-leaf adventure.
The Red One | Jack London"It is merely a fig leaf which this Adam is employing to hide his shame," said Luther.
History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Vol 2 | J. H. Merle D'AubignIt was simply that a naked truth, deprived of the last fig leaf, circulated concerning every one.
I Walked in Arden | Jack CrawfordFirst you must know that several tribes go completely naked and wear but the fig leaf.
Montreal 1535-1914 under the French Rgime | William Henry AthertonI would not give a fig or a fig-leaf to know the truth of it, as far as any man can teach it me.
Imaginary Conversations and Poems | Walter Savage Landor
British Dictionary definitions for fig leaf
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
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