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
New Zealand Christmas trees, fig leaf plants and paspalum grass accent the outdoor living space.
—
Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
Best Embroidered Placemat 3/16 Maison Balzac Fig Leaf Placemat Set
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Dinner parties will feel all the more special with these fig leaf Maison Balzac placemats at the table.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025
At one point, as though by fate or destiny, the green lights from her set matched the same shade of green as the iced fig leaf matcha from the morning breakfast.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
Critics have long contended that the position amounted to little more than a fig leaf, albeit one that still managed to occupy a few seats at the national policy-making table.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fig leaf
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Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
Best Embroidered Placemat 3/16 Maison Balzac Fig Leaf Placemat Set
$120 $96
SSENSE
Dinner parties will feel all the more special with these fig leaf Maison Balzac placemats at the table.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025
At one point, as though by fate or destiny, the green lights from her set matched the same shade of green as the iced fig leaf matcha from the morning breakfast.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
Critics have long contended that the position amounted to little more than a fig leaf, albeit one that still managed to occupy a few seats at the national policy-making table.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fig leaf
Cite this Entry
“Fig leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fig%20leaf. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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