dog and pony show

American  

noun

Informal.

1. an elaborate sales, advertising, or publicity presentation or campaign.

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dog-and-pony show Idioms  

1. An elaborate presentation to gain approval for a product or policy. For example, The administration loved putting on a dog-and-pony show for every minor change of policy. This term alludes to a traveling variety show. [1950s]

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Etymology

Origin of dog and pony show

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Rayner called it a “dog and pony show,” noting officials showed them clean linens, box meals and orange jumpsuits, while refusing any contact with detainees or the ability to verify allegations of flooding and infrequent meals.

From Salon

I remember Bob Iger said to me — he asked me to go to some meeting at ABC; this dog and pony show — and he says, “George, how do we sell Hondas to Latinos?”

From Los Angeles Times

Bazawule is not particularly interested in the “dog and pony show” of awards season.

From Seattle Times

“How much did high-level city officials know about the former mayor and the Angels’ plans to put on a dog and pony show that would lead to the sale of our largest city asset?” she asked.

From Los Angeles Times

Either way, it's not like there's a Coggins test to get into this dog and pony show.

From Salon