Usage Note
Coartada derives from coartar (to limit, to restrict), reflecting the idea that a proven alibi 'limits' the prosecution's case. It is used both in legal contexts (presentó una coartada sólida) and figuratively for any convenient excuse (esa reunión le sirve de coartada).
Examples
"El sospechoso tenía una coartada perfecta."
Natural Translation
The suspect had a perfect alibi.

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