| alibi(noun, action, cause, reason, trick) |
| excuse(noun, cause, reason, slip, claim) |
| pretext(noun, cover, cause, reason, slip) |
| cleanup(noun, cause, reason, trick, escape) |
| cover(noun, cause, reason, explanation) |
| cover story(noun, expression, cause, reason, trick) |
| grounds(noun, cause, reason, trick) |
| plea(noun, cause, reason, trick, claim) |
| routine(noun, cause, reason, slip, trick) |
| ruse(noun, cause, slip, shift, escape) |
| semblance(noun, cause, reason, trick) |
| show(noun, cause, excuse, pretense) |
| song and dance(noun, expression, idiom, cause, reason) |
| stall(noun, cover, cause, reason, trick) |
| subterfuge(noun, cause, reason, slip, trick) |
| affectation(noun, cause, excuse, pretense) |
| appearance(noun, cause, excuse, pretense) |
| bluff(noun, cause, excuse, pretense) |
| cause(noun, action, claim, statement) |
| cloak(noun, cause, excuse, pretense) |