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.
彼は病気を盾に取って会議を欠席した。
He used illness as an excuse to skip the meeting.
規則を盾に取って反対するのは簡単だ。
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.
彼はいつも上司を盾に取って自分の意見を言わない。
He always hides behind his boss and never states his own opinion.
法律を盾に取って責任を逃れようとした。
He tried to evade responsibility by using the law as a shield.