the.com/pretext

means A false or invented reason used to cover the real motive behind an action.

from From Latin praetextus, literally 'that which is woven in front' — from prae- ('before') plus texere ('to weave'), the same root that gives us 'text' and 'textile.' In Rome, praetexta also named the purple-bordered toga worn by officials, a woven front meant to be seen. A pretext works the same way: a presentable cover story woven and held up in front of the real, less presentable reason.