蹩脚的借口 meaning in English

lame excuse

We thought he had just found a lame excuse for being a miser
我们当时认为他是在为他守财奴的形象找一个蹩脚的借口。
Getting drunk is only a dumb excuse and a stupid move , i was still fully aware of what i ' m trying to get over with , the alcohol was only making it worse , it would only destroy your last courage and encourage you to cry out
罐醉自己无非是个蹩脚的借口和愚蠢的举动,酒醉后的我依然无法忘却自己的痛楚,酒精的作用无非是冲垮了我那最后的一点坚强并最终哭出声来