fig leaf
n.
- A stylized representation of the leaf of a fig, used especially to conceal genitals depicted in works of art.
- Something that serves as a usually insufficient concealment or camouflage: “Many fallen executives are still allowed the fig leaf of ‘resignation’” (David Pauly).
The expression "fig leaf" is widely used figuratively to convey the covering up of an act or an object that is embarrassing or distasteful with something of innocuous appearance, a metaphorical reference to the Biblical Book of Genesis in which Adam and Eve used fig leaves to cover their nudity after eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.[2][3] Some paintings and statues have the genitals of their subjects covered by a representation of an actual fig leaf or similar object, either as part of the work or added afterwards for perceived modesty.
Contents
- 1History
- 2Modern day
- 3Metaphorical use
- 4See also
- 5References
- 6Bibliography
- 7External links
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