-fig leaf-

1. The leaf from a fig tree. [ PJC ]

2. An ornamental design shaped like the leaf of a fig tree, used in architecture; also, a design shaped like a fig leaf to cover genitalia in sculpture or paintings -- in reference to the biblical story in Genesis of Adam and Eve, who covered their privates with fig leaves. [ PJC ]

3. Hence: [ figurative ] Anything used to conceal what is considered embarrassing or indecent. See sense 2. [ PJC ]