cover story vs expedient

cover story

noun
  • A fictitious account that is intended to hide one's real motive. 

  • A story included in a publication that is highlighted on the front cover. 

expedient

noun
  • A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource. 

adj
  • Suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended. 

  • Governed by self-interest, often short-term self-interest. 

  • Affording short-term benefit, often at the expense of the long-term. 

How often have the words cover story and expedient occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )