fig leaf

American  

noun

1. the leaf of a fig tree.

2. 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.

3. 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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fig leaf British  

noun

1. a leaf from a fig tree

2. 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

3. a device intended to conceal something regarded as shameful or indecent

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Etymology

Origin of fig leaf

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

This year, cherries for their new Cherry Fig Leaf preserves came from Smallwood Farms in Okanogan, but the fig leaves were harvested on Orcas.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 31, 2021

He speculates that OLC may have taken too seriously the rhetoric of independence, to the detriment of what Posner says is OLC's true role: "Keeper of the Presidential Fig Leaf."

From Slate • Jul. 5, 2011

In a spirit more of fun and smartness, Author Sinclair brought out a special Fig Leaf Edition for Boston, with censored passages decorously stamped out by fig-like foliage.

From Time Magazine Archive

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