fig leaf
noun/ˈfɪɡ liːf/
/ˈfɪɡ liːf/
- a leaf of a fig tree, traditionally used for covering the sex organs of naked bodies in paintings and on statues
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- a thing that is used to hide an embarrassing fact or situation
Word Originearly 16th cent.: with reference to the story of Adam and Eve in the Christian Bible (Gen. 3:7).
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fig leaf