fig leaf

• Une feuille de figuier, ou par extension tout ce qui sert à dissimuler quelque chose de gênant, honteux ou peu attrayant ; à l'origine, la feuille dont Adam et Ève se servirent dans la Bible pour cacher leur nudité.

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.

1. Literal leafB2formal

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

   feuille de figuier

   • 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.

2. Something used to hide something shamefulC1formal

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

   feuille de vigne

   • 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.