Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - fig leaf

(fig leaves) 1. A fig leaf is a large leaf which comes from the fig tree. A fig leaf is sometimes used in painting and sculpture to cover the genitals of a naked body. N-COUNT 2. People sometimes refer disapprovingly to something which is intended to hide or prevent an embarrassing situation as a fig leaf. (JOURNALISM) This deal is little more than a fig leaf for the continued destruction of the landscape. N-COUNT: usu with supp c darkgreen]disapproval