盾 (たて, tate) Japanese meaning: shield | KotomoraThe knight held a shield in his left hand.
Usage patterns
〈物〉を盾にするto use something as a shield/pretext
He used his busyness as an excuse not to help.
盾を構えるto hold up a shield
The soldier raised his shield to block the enemy's attack.
〈物〉を盾に〈動詞〉to do something using X as a pretext/cover
Expressions
盾に取るuse as a pretext; use as an excuse; use as grounds · use as a shield; hide behind; shelter behind 盾の両面を見よlook at both sides of the shield; examine a matter from all angles 矢も盾もたまらずunable to stay still; unable to contain one's feelings; unable to restrain oneself
He made unreasonable demands, using his boss's authority as cover.
