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]

---

Example Sentences

McElhenney: That’s what allowed for us to still be authentic and step into the world of “Abbott” because these characters are going into a school and they’re constantly monitored by cameras, so they would put on an act.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Washington Post

She didn’t put on an act for her phone camera; she let it capture her raw talent, making it hard for viewers to look away from her buttery bass covers of Prince and Megan Thee Stallion.

From Washington Post

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

“I don’t think we’ve ever put on an act and said, ‘It won’t work on the stage but it will go viral,’ ” Donnelly said.

From Washington Post