keep up an appearance

Frequency: 7.012.0 per million words

to maintain a particular impression, often one that is not true

appearanceVERB + NOUN (way sth looks)

Categories:

keep up

Examples (10)

  • Even after losing his job, he tried to keep up the appearance of wealth by driving his luxury car.
  • They were constantly arguing in private but kept up the appearance of a happy couple in public.
  • As a leader, it's important to keep up an appearance of calm and control, even during a crisis.
  • She felt immense pressure to keep up the appearance of having a perfect life on social media.
  • It takes a lot of energy to keep up an appearance that isn't genuine.
  • Why do so many people feel the need to keep up the appearance of being busy all the time?
  • He is keeping up the appearance of being fine, but I know he's struggling.
  • Keeping up the appearance of success was more important to him than asking for help.
  • The company had to keep up the appearance of stability to prevent investors from panicking.
  • Despite their financial difficulties, the family managed to keep up an appearance of normality for the children's sake.