プログレッシブ和英中辞典(第4版)の解説
いいわけ【言い訳】
❶〔弁明，釈明〕an explanation, an excuse ((for))；〔正当化〕(a) justification ((for))；〔抗弁〕a defense，《英》 a defence ((of))；《口》 an alibi ((複 ～s))
苦しい言い訳
a poor [lame/clumsy] excuse
先生に遅刻の言い訳をした
He made an excuse to his teacher for being late.
彼女は自分の行動に言い訳がましいことは一つも言わなかった
She didn't say anything in justification of her conduct.
彼がいくら言い訳をしても疑いは晴れない
However hard he tries to explain [defend] himself, he cannot clear himself of suspicion.
言い訳はよせ
No more excuses [alibis]!
彼女はその州の規則を知らなかったと言い訳した
She pleaded ignorance of the laws of that state.
❷〔わび〕an apology ((for))
言い訳する apologize
彼にパーティー不参加の言い訳の手紙を出した
I sent him a letter of apology for not attending his party.