N1157/186

にかこつけて

NにかこつけてVる/Vた + にかこつけて

Meanings

  • In the name of
  • Using the excuse of
  • To use as a pretext
  • Under the guise or pretense of

About this pattern

Explanation

Used to describe actions taken under the pretext or guise of something else. The noun before に marks the pretext or justification that someone uses to justify another action. This construction often carries a nuance of exploiting the pretext to behave differently or to avoid direct objections.

Learn in context

Example sentences

彼は体調不良にかこつけて早退した。

He left early, using his poor health as a pretext.

彼女は忙しいという理由にかこつけて、約束をすっぽかした。

She used being busy as an excuse and stood him up.

上司の命令にかこつけて、部下は残業させようとした。

Under the pretext of the boss's orders, the supervisor tried to make the subordinates work overtime.