hide behind
Use as shield
To hide behind something is to use it as cover or concealment—literally crouching behind a wall, or figuratively using something as an excuse or deflection.
He hides behind his busy schedule to avoid family gatherings.
She hid behind the door until they left.
The figurative sense often implies cowardice or evasion: hiding behind rules, lawyers, or excuses rather than facing something directly.
mask
Face-worn concealment
shroud · screen · cover · obscure · shield · camouflage · smokescreen · curtain · facade · pretense
evade
Escape by cunning
sidestep · escape · duck · deflect · circumvent · bypass · retreat · withdraw · flee · shun
confrontation
hide behindconfront
Face squarely, address directly
stand up to · tackle · address · face the music · deal with