盾たてに取とる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

use as a pretext; use as an excuse; use as grounds

Used when someone cites a reason or principle to justify an action, often with a self-serving or manipulative nuance. The thing used as a pretext is marked with を.

• 彼かれは病びょう気きを盾たてに取とって会かい議ぎを欠けっ席せきした。

  He used illness as an excuse to skip the meeting.

• 規き則そくを盾たてに取とって反はん対たいするのは簡かん単たんだ。

  It's easy to oppose by using the rules as a pretext.

expression, godan verb (-ru)

use as a shield; hide behind; shelter behind

Metaphorical use: to use someone or something as a protective shield to avoid criticism, responsibility, or danger. The shield is marked with を.

• 彼かれはいつも上じょう司しを盾たてに取とって自じ分ぶんの意い見けんを言いわない。

  He always hides behind his boss and never states his own opinion.

• 法ほう律りつを盾たてに取とって責せき任にんを逃のがれようとした。

  He tried to evade responsibility by using the law as a shield.