借故 (jiè gù) — (adverb) to use a pretext to (do something); to find an excuse to
Definition
Means 'using some excuse or pretext to do (or avoid) something' — the speaker deliberately manufactures a reason. Distinct from 借口, which names the excuse itself or means 'on the pretext of'.
adverb
to use a pretext to (do something)to find an excuse to
Examples
- 借故，。Tā jiè gù shēn tǐ bù shū fu, tí qián lí kāi le huì chǎng.He used the pretext of feeling unwell and left the meeting early.
- 借故，。Jīng lǐ jiè gù kāi huì, tuī diào le nà ge fàn jú.The manager used the excuse of having a meeting to decline that dinner invitation.
- 借故，。Tā jiè gù shàng cè suǒ, tōu tōu dǎ le ge diàn huà.She used the pretext of going to the bathroom to secretly make a phone call.
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