fig leaf

noun

1
: the leaf of a fig tree
2
[from the use by Adam and Eve of fig leaves to cover their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:7)] : something that conceals or camouflages usually inadequately or dishonestly

Examples of fig leaf in a Sentence

Opponents claim that the humanitarian goals of the project are just a fig leaf, and that its real purpose is to make money.
Recent Examples on the Web The former president knocked wind and solar energy, before quickly offering a fig leaf to clean energy companies. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2024 The difference is the removal of the final fig leaf some of us thought was covering America's refusal to subject itself to the jurisdiction of an international criminal tribunal. David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024 Conservatives dismiss universities as factories for indoctrination, while liberals believe that the whole idea of meritocratic admissions is a fig leaf for upper-class power hoarding. Mark Gimein, theweek, 19 Feb. 2024 The fig leaf reformist candidate, Mohsen Mehralizadeh, former governor of the province of Isfahan, was not backed even by reformist coalitions and also dropped out on June 16, further narrowing the field. Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2021 See all Example Sentences for fig leaf 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fig leaf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fig leaf was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fig leaf

Cite this Entry

“Fig leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fig%20leaf. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

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