for show

The idiom "for show" refers to actions or displays meant to impress others rather than serve a practical purpose.

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Definition

B2General

(informal)Done or displayed mainly to impress others, not for practical use.

Example

  • He bought an expensive car just for show.
  • The decorations were beautiful, but they were only for show.

B2Behavior

(informal)Performed in an insincere manner to create a certain impression.

Example

  • Her apology seemed to be just for show.
  • The lavish party was all for show to impress his clients.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "for show":

show outshow offgood showshowing offpassing showbig showbad showdog and pony showdumb showshow the flagfor the plotwhat fordog showraree show