outwardly attractive but inwardly lacking; specious
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
outwardly attractive but inwardly lacking; all show and no substance
formalA derogatory idiom describing people or things that look impressive but lack real substance or ability. Often used to criticize superficial beauty or empty pretensions.
Zhè这
gè个
rén人
xū虚
yǒu有
qí其
biǎo表
，
shí实
jì际
shàng上
méi没
shén什
me么
zhēn真
běn本
shi事
。
This person is all show and no substance; he actually has no real ability.
Zhè这
jiàn件
chǎn产
pǐn品
xū虚
yǒu有
qí其
biǎo表
，
zhì质
liàng量
hěn很
chà差
。
This product looks good on the outside but is actually of very poor quality.
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Nà那
zuò座
dà大
lóu楼
xū虚
yǒu有
qí其
biǎo表
，
nèi内
bù部
jié结
gòu构
cún存
zài在
ān安
quán全
yǐn隐
huàn患
。
That building is outwardly impressive but has hidden safety hazards in its internal structure.
Bù不
yào要
bèi被
tā他
de的
wài外
biǎo表
mí迷
huò惑
，
tā他
bù不
guò过
shì是
xū虚
yǒu有
qí其
biǎo表
bà罢
le了
。
Don't be fooled by his appearance; he's merely putting on a show.