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 These gestures have been welcomed by Western governments, though many experts discount them as a fig leaf. Heidi Blake, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024 To put it another way, the technology shouldn’t be employed as a fig leaf for fashion to keep churning out ever-increasing quantities of synthetics. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 Since the murder of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a rapt global audience has followed in real time a spectacle usually reserved for the most senior levels of government: the fashioning of an exculpatory fig leaf for an atrocity. Daniel Benjamin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Oct. 2018 The former president knocked wind and solar energy, before quickly offering a fig leaf to clean energy companies. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2024 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 5 Nov. 2024.

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