Mayor de Blasio emerged from hiding Thursday — after ducking reporters for more than a week — to defend his much-maligned decision to withhold communications with five confidants outside the government.

De Blasio used the word “appropriate” at least 10 times during a Washington Heights press conference to explain why his administration decided to exempt communications with the confidants from routine public disclosure.

“The way it’s being handled based on legal guidance is appropriate,” the mayor said.

“Everyone in the history of public life has had a kitchen cabinet, and we looked at this from the beginning, sought the appropriate legal guidance. We’re following that guidance.”

He insisted that the advisers, who include lobbyists with clients who have business before the city, never cross ethical lines.

“When they advise me, it has nothing to do with their clients. That’s the very clear standard I uphold,” said de Blasio

Good-government groups scoffed at the mayor.

“The whole idea is deeply destructive,” said John Kaehny, New York rep for the National Freedom of Information Coalition. “The mayor can say whatever he wants. That doesn’t make it lawful.”