window dressing

• Fait de présenter quelque chose sous un jour avantageux, ou, plus souvent au sens figuré, action ou mesure visant à créer une impression favorable mais souvent superficielle ou trompeuse.

The act of arranging a shop window display attractively, or more commonly used figuratively to describe actions or measures that are intended to create a favorable impression but are often superficial or misleading.

1. Store displayB1formal

   The arrangement of goods in a shop window to attract customers.

   Étalage en vitrine

   • The store's window dressing for Christmas was spectacular.
   • She works as a professional window dresser for luxury brands.
   • The window dressing featured the new spring collection.

2. Deceptive appearanceB2informal

   The act of making something look better or more impressive than it really is, often to hide flaws.

   Maquillage

   • The company's report was just window dressing to hide their losses.
   • His apology was mere window dressing; he didn't mean it.
   • The government's reforms are mostly window dressing for the public.