fig leaf

noun3

1. •
   A leaf of the fig plant.
2. •
   A representation of leaf of a fig plant used to cover the genitals of a nude figure in a work of art (alluding to Genesis iii 7, in which Adam and Eve use fig leaves to hide their nakedness).

   • This figleaf morality expresses a very unhealthy mental attitude. — 1965
3. •
   (figurative) Anything used to conceal something undesirable or that one does not want to be discovered.

   • In fact, speaking of paedos, the prime minister chose to use one as a figleaf. — 2022