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dog and pony show
01
a flashy or impressive event that lacks substance or meaning
Dialect
American
American
Disapproving
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "dog and pony show" and when to use it?
The idiom "dog and pony show" originated from circuses and traveling shows that had trained dogs and ponies performing impressive acts to entertain the audience. Eventually, the term started being used figuratively to describe situations where people put on a flashy display just for show, without providing meaningful content or value.
Examples
Last month, the CEO staged a dog and pony show to impress potential investors, but the company ultimately failed to deliver on its promises.
The conference organizers organized a series of dog and pony shows, but attendees left feeling disappointed and unimpressed.
