for show

Idioms

For the sake of appearances or display. For example, They put on a lavish buffet, mainly for show, or The police pretended to jail the informer, for show. [c. 1700]

Example Sentences

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for show

Tan also allegedly told Apple employees to bring physical components, such as batteries, circuit boards, and other parts, to interviews for "show and tell" sessions.

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

The company still owns the Professional Bowlers Association, but Shannon says that’s mostly for show.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026

Like Sweeney’s pop-up, this saloon isn’t totally for show — there are selected premixed cocktails available.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 27, 2026

Sometimes the thin line between love and hate, including the brand of disdain that’s just for show, can be bridged by a tuna melt.

From Salon ● Dec. 26, 2025

I bowed for show and turned to leave.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

for show

Example Sentences

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