fig leaf

fig leaf
  1. The leaf from a fig tree.
  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.
  3. Anything used to conceal what is considered embarrassing or indecent. See sense 2. [figurative]