原因・理由N1
〜にかこつけて
using... as an excuse / under the pretext of...
Structure
N + にかこつけて
Explanation
N + にかこつけて: using the noun as an excuse for the main action.
Examples
出張にかこつけて、観光もしてきた。
Using the business trip as an excuse, I did some sightseeing too.
忙しさにかこつけて、連絡を怠った。
Using busyness as an excuse, I neglected to contact them.
Note
Often implies that the real purpose is different; synonymous with を口実に.
Related Grammar
〜にかまけて〜を口実に