WordNet
v. provide an excuse or alibi for someone so as to cover up guilt; "I won't lie and cover for you"
Usage examples of "cover for".
But I'd be willing to bet you his buffoonery is just a cover for something else.
Lazarus agreed, then took a few moments to inspect the car-in better shape than he had left it, shining and clean from spokes to top and with several new items besides the foot accelerator: a dressy radiator cap, rubber nonskids for the pedals, a tire holder on the rear with a patent-leather cover for a spare tire, a robe rail in the rear compartment with a lap robe folded neatly, and-finishing touch-a cut-glass bud vase with a single rose.
It had seemed to me a dry occupation for a woman of her appearance, and I had concluded it doubtless an excuse and cover for other pursuits, less dry.
None of the machines were armed, or programmed for combat, but they were bulky and provided cover for the Rebels behind them.
The smoky torches provided an excellent cover for their secret entry into the lair of the Gulps and their Big Boss.
We kept under cover for those forty-eight hours, except for one trip that I made down to the steamship office, and to buy one of the new Army Colt revolvers, just in case.