にかこつけて (ni-kakotsukete): Using as a pretext
～にかこつけて (ni-kakotsukete)
Meaning
Using as a pretext
Formation and usage
N + にかこつけて
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Uses an apparent reason to do what one actually wants, often with disapproval.
Examples
会議の準備にかこつけて、彼は通常の仕事を休んだ。
He used preparations for the meeting as a pretext to take time off his regular work.
試験の準備にかこつけて、彼は通常の仕事を休んだ。
He used preparations for the exam as a pretext to take time off his regular work.
研修の準備にかこつけて、彼は通常の仕事を休んだ。
He used preparations for the training session as a pretext to take time off his regular work.
発表会の準備にかこつけて、彼は通常の仕事を休んだ。
He used preparations for the presentation event as a pretext to take time off his regular work.
面接の準備にかこつけて、彼は通常の仕事を休んだ。
He used preparations for the interview as a pretext to take time off his regular work.
How related patterns differ
が気になる is a spontaneous concern; に気をつける is deliberate caution. に備えて prepares; に任せる entrusts. にかこつけて uses a pretext, を押して overcomes a barrier, をものともせず is undaunted, をよそに disregards, and にかまけて neglects other duties.