理り屈くつをつける

expression, ichidan verb

find an excuse; rationalize; find a pretext

Used when someone invents a logical-sounding reason to justify an action or opinion, often with a slightly negative nuance of making excuses.

• 彼かれは遅ち刻こくの理り由ゆうを理り屈くつをつけてごまかした。

  He made up a rationalization to cover up his lateness.

• 何なにかと理り屈くつをつけて仕し事ごとを避さけようとする。

  He tries to avoid work by finding some pretext or another.