cover story

plural cover stories

1. mediaA story included in a publication that is highlighted on the front cover.

   We didn't even think it was that important, at first, and yet by the end of the week it had become the cover story of the next issue.

   1 more example

   It's ironic that the day before the Prime Minister confirmed the go-ahead for HS2, RAIL 898 hit my doormat with a cover story 'Is reopening the GC a viable alternative to HS2?'

   2020 May 6, “Letters: Open Access”, in Rail, page 48

2. espionageA fictitious account that is intended to hide one's real motive.

   The cover story of an intelligence agent posing as a foreign service officer is called a diplomatic cover in the trade.

   1 more example

   "This is just a cover story," Clay says to O5-8, not taking his eyes off Marion. "It's a good one, but she's had it worked out in advance." "Clay, lose the piece," says the O5. Grudgingly, Clay does so.

   2008–2021, qntm, “We Need To Talk About Fifty-Five”, in There Is No Antimemetics Division, →ISBN, page 9

3. broadlyAny fictitious account used to hide, distract from, or falsely explain the truth which one intends to conceal.