fig leaf

A literal or metaphorical covering used to hide something embarrassing, shameful, or unattractive; originally referring to the leaf used by Adam and Eve in the Bible to cover their nakedness.

• 🇩🇪Wörtliche oder metaphorische Abdeckung, die benutzt wird, um etwas Peinliches, Beschämendes oder Unattraktives zu verbergen; ursprünglich das Blatt, mit dem Adam und Eva in der Bibel ihre Nacktheit bedeckten.

1. Literal leaf B2 formal

   A leaf of a fig tree, often used in art to cover the genitals of nude figures.

   • The statue was originally carved with a fig leaf.
   • In Renaissance paintings, fig leaves were sometimes added later.
   • The gardener picked a fresh fig leaf for the arrangement.

   🇩🇪Feigenblatt

2. Something used to hide something shameful C1 formal

   A thing used to conceal an embarrassing or unpleasant fact or motive.

   • The company's charity work was just a fig leaf for its tax evasion.
   • His apology was a fig leaf for his real intentions.
   • The new policy is a fig leaf to cover up the budget cuts.

   🇩🇪Feigenblatt