English Idioms from A-Z

Put Lipstick On A Pig

The idiom "put lipstick on a pig" means to try to make something that is inherently unattractive or bad appear better or more attractive by adding superficial or cosmetic changes. It is often used to describe situations where someone is trying to make something look better than it actually is, usually by using deceptive or manipulative tactics.

For example, if a company is trying to sell a low-quality product by using fancy packaging and marketing, someone might say that they are "putting lipstick on a pig." Similarly, if someone is trying to make a bad idea sound good by using clever language or spin, they might be accused of "putting lipstick on a pig."

Overall, the idiom is used to criticize people who are trying to deceive others by making something seem better than it actually is. It suggests that no matter how much you try to dress up a bad situation, it will still be bad at its core.


The usage of the idiom 'Put Lipstick On A Pig' in a sentence

• Despite the flaws in the study, the researchers tried to put lipstick on a pig by emphasizing the positive results. (complex sentence with advanced vocabulary)

• It's a futile effort to put lipstick on a pig when the underlying problem is not addressed. (complex sentence with advanced vocabulary and metaphorical language)

• The politician tried to put lipstick on a pig by making empty promises during the campaign. (complex sentence)

• I don't like putting lipstick on a pig. (simple sentence)

• My friend tries to put lipstick on a pig by pretending to like her job. (compound sentence)

• The company tried to put lipstick on a pig by rebranding their faulty product with a new name. (compound-complex sentence)

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