Pretext
01
借口, 托词
a false reason or excuse given to justify an action or behavior, hiding the true motive behind it
例子
She used a family emergency as a pretext to leave the party early, but her friends suspected she simply was n't enjoying herself.
她以家庭紧急情况为借口提前离开了派对，但她的朋友们怀疑她只是玩得不开心。
The company used budgetary concerns as a pretext to lay off employees, but the real motive was to increase profitability.
该公司以预算问题为借口解雇员工，但真正的动机是为了提高盈利能力。
02
借口, 表象
an artful or simulated semblance
