put on an act

Idioms  

1. Pretend, especially in order to deceive; also, show off. For example, We were afraid Charlie had hurt himself, but he was just putting on an act, or We know you're a good swimmer—stop putting on an act. [c. 1930]

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Example Sentences

But Clifford also knows that every country singer has to put on an act, and Lil is working one, too.

From Washington Post • Mar. 7, 2023

I feel like I can’t put on an act of loving support anymore, although I know this is supposed to be one of the most important things a wife can do in this situation.

From Slate • Aug. 28, 2020

“Help me to not put on an act of any kind,” I wrote.

From The New Yorker • May 20, 2019

You put on an act a little bit.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2015

And I hate that my parents and I have to put on an act in this trailer—a space that should be private.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed