fig leaf
Americannoun
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the leaf of a fig tree.
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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.
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something intended to conceal what may be considered indecorous or indecent.
to approach the facts of life with the fig leaves of roundabout expressions.
noun
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a leaf from a fig tree
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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
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a device intended to conceal something regarded as shameful or indecent
Etymology
Origin of fig leaf
First recorded in 1525–35
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
Even as a fig leaf, it is surprisingly persuasive: who could argue against “efficiency,” that core value of free-market capitalism?
From Salon • Apr. 27, 2025
He shows some illustrations from his edition of the good book, which include a baby Trump in the Moses basket and Trump as Adam, naked except for a fig leaf.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2024
They arranged some type of work for us to do in the courtyard, but it was merely a fig leaf to hide their capitulation.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
