Meaning of Keeping up appearances
Maintaining a certain image or impression despite difficulties or reality.
In simple words: Trying to look good or proper even if it's not true.
Keeping up appearances in a sentence
- Despite their financial struggles, they continued keeping up appearances at social events.
- She was always keeping up appearances, even when she felt unhappy inside.
- He believes in keeping up appearances, no matter how much pressure it puts on him.
- Keeping up appearances can often lead to stress and burnout.
How to use Keeping up appearances
This idiom is often used in formal contexts when discussing social expectations. It may be less appropriate in casual situations or among close friends.
Grammar pattern
standalone phrase
Memory hint
Imagine someone carefully polishing their shoes to maintain a perfect look.
Related words
Collocations with Keeping up appearances
- keeping up appearances at social functions
- keeping up appearances in the workplace
- keeping up appearances for the family
- struggling to keep up appearances
- need to keep up appearances
Synonyms for Keeping up appearances
- putting on a front
- maintaining a facade
- pretending
- keeping face
- projecting an image
Common mistakes with Keeping up appearances
- Confused with 'keeping up with appearances' which is incorrect.
- Used inappropriately in casual speech; better for formal discussions.
- Misunderstood as only about clothing, rather than overall behavior.
Keeping up appearances appears in
Keeping up appearances in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
الحفاظ على المظاهر
محاولة الظهور بشكل جيد أو لائق حتى لو لم يكن ذلك صحيحًا.
- Bengaliবাংলা
লোক দেখানো
সত্যি না হলেও নিজেকে ভালো বা সঠিক দেখানোর চেষ্টা করা।
- GermanDeutsch
den Schein wahren
Versuchen, gut oder anständig auszusehen, auch wenn es nicht stimmt.
- SpanishEspañol
Mantener las apariencias
Intentar parecer bueno o correcto aunque no sea verdad.
- Persianفارسی
حفظ ظاهر
سعی در خوب یا مناسب به نظر رسیدن حتی اگر حقیقت نداشته باشد.
- FrenchFrançais
Faire bonne figure
Essayer d'avoir l'air bien ou correct même si ce n'est pas vrai.
- Hindiहिन्दी
दिखावा बनाए रखना
भले ही यह सच न हो, अच्छा या उचित दिखने की कोशिश करना।
- ItalianItaliano
Mantenere le apparenze
Cercare di apparire bene o a posto anche se non è vero.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Manter as aparências
Tentar parecer bem ou correto, mesmo que não seja verdade.
- RussianРусский
Поддерживать видимость
Стараться выглядеть хорошо или прилично, даже если это неправда.
- Urduاردو
ظاہری رکھ رکھائی
کوشش کرنا کہ اچھا یا مناسب نظر آئے چاہے وہ سچ نہ ہو۔
- Chinese中文
维持体面,装门面
努力让自己看起来很好或很得体,即使事实并非如此。
More idioms like Keeping up appearances
- Pretending
- How's your blog going
A casual inquiry about the progress or status of someone's blog.
- Oh good good
An expression of happiness or satisfaction.
- Very good
Used to express a high level of quality or satisfaction.
- WrittenB1
expressed in writing rather than in speech
- You haven't written a word
Indicates that no writing has been done.
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Frequently asked questions about Keeping up appearances
What does Keeping up appearances mean?
Trying to look good or proper even if it's not true.
What is the definition of Keeping up appearances?
Maintaining a certain image or impression despite difficulties or reality.
How do you use Keeping up appearances in a sentence?
Despite their financial struggles, they continued keeping up appearances at social events.
Can you give another example of Keeping up appearances?
She was always keeping up appearances, even when she felt unhappy inside.
What are synonyms for Keeping up appearances?
Common alternatives include putting on a front, maintaining a facade, pretending, keeping face, projecting an image.
What words go with Keeping up appearances?
It commonly pairs with keeping up appearances at social functions, keeping up appearances in the workplace, keeping up appearances for the family, struggling to keep up appearances, need to keep up appearances.
What are common mistakes when using Keeping up appearances?
Confused with 'keeping up with appearances' which is incorrect. Used inappropriately in casual speech; better for formal discussions. Misunderstood as only about clothing, rather than overall behavior.
How do you pronounce Keeping up appearances?
US: //ˈkipɪŋ ʌp əˈpɪr.ənsɪz//, UK: //ˈkiː.pɪŋ ʌp əˈpɪə.rənsɪz//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
Is Keeping up appearances formal or informal?
"Keeping up appearances" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.
When should I use Keeping up appearances?
This idiom is often used in formal contexts when discussing social expectations. It may be less appropriate in casual situations or among close friends.
