cover story vs plea

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. 

plea

noun
  • An allegation of fact in a cause, as distinguished from a demurrer. 

  • That which is alleged or pleaded, in defense or in justification. 

  • The defendant’s answer to the plaintiff’s declaration and demand. 

  • A cause in court; a lawsuit; as, the Court of Common Pleas. 

  • An appeal, petition, urgent prayer or entreaty. 

  • An excuse; an apology. 

  • That which is alleged by a party in support of his cause. 

verb
  • To plead; to argue. 

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