put on a show; keep up appearances; do something for show
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to put on a show; to do something for appearance's sake; to keep up appearances
Often used to criticize behavior that prioritizes appearance over substance. Can be used as a verb or as part of a predicate structure.
Tā踏
tā踏
shi实
shi实
gōng工
zuò作
，
bié别
bǎi摆
yàng样
zi子
。
Work steadfastly and honestly; don't just put on a show.
Shū书
jià架
shàng上
de的
shū书
dōu都
shì是
bǎi摆
yàng样
zi子
de的
，
tā他
gēn根
běn本
méi没
kàn看
guò过
。
The books on the shelf are just for show; he hasn't read any of them at all.
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Tā他
men们
zhuāng装
xiū修
fáng房
zi子
zhǐ只
shì是
wèi为
le了
bǎi摆
yàng样
zi子
gěi给
kè客
rén人
kàn看
。
They renovated the house just to keep up appearances for their guests.
Bié别
guāng光
bǎi摆
yàng样
zi子
，
yào要
shi实
shi实
zài在
zài在
de地
zuò做
shì事
。
Don't just make a show of it; you need to actually get things done.