A fig leaf is a term used to describe something that is put in place as an excuse or cover-up for something else, often when it's not genuine. It can also refer to a small attempt to hide one’s embarrassment or shame by using a flimsy pretext or a trivial reason. The phrase originates from the biblical story of Adam and Eve who used fig leaves to cover their nakedness after they disobeyed God and were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Fig leaf is often used metaphorically when someone tries to hide something unpleasant or embarrassing with a small, insignificant action that doesn't really solve anything.