〜にかこつけて
Formation
N1ReasonFormal/Stiff
Meaning
Indicates using a certain reason as an excuse or pretext to do something else.
Note
Carries a negative nuance that the speaker is being deceptive or self-serving.
Examples
彼は出張にかこつけて、温泉旅行を楽しんだらしい。
It seems he used a business trip as a pretext to enjoy a hot spring trip.
彼女は取材にかこつけて、有名人に会いに行った。
She went to see a famous person under the pretense of doing an interview.
法事にかこつけて、親戚が集まって酒盛りを始めた。
Using a memorial service as an excuse, the relatives gathered and started a drinking party.
仕事にかこつけて、度々彼女に電話をしている。
Using work as a pretext, he calls her frequently.
ボランティア活動にかこつけて、自分の売名をしている。
He is using volunteer activities as a pretext for self-promotion.
勉強会にかこつけて、実は合コンを開いていた。
Under the pretense of a study session, they were actually having a mixer.
Related Grammar
N1