english
                    
                    
                    
                        1
                           general:: 
                           Phrase(s): use someone or something as an excuse  to blame someone or something (for a failure). (See also use someone or something as something.)  •  John used his old car as an excuse for not going to the meeting.  •  My husband was sick in bed, and I used him as an excuse.
                           
                           
                           
                           
                        
    
                       
                    
                        
                        
                        
                    
 
                    
                        McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs