The idiom "window dressing" refers to actions or changes that are made to make something look better or more attractive, but do not actually improve its quality or substance. It is often used to describe superficial changes made to a business, organization, or product to make it appear more successful or appealing to customers or investors.
For example, a company might engage in window dressing by making cosmetic changes to its financial statements to make them look better than they actually are. Similarly, a store might engage in window dressing by creating an attractive display in its storefront window to draw in customers, even if the products inside are not particularly high-quality or desirable.
Overall, the term "window dressing" suggests that something is being presented in a way that is misleading or deceptive, and that the true nature of the thing in question is being obscured or hidden. It is often used in a critical or negative sense, to suggest that someone is trying to deceive others by presenting a false or exaggerated image of something.
• The store's holiday display was just window dressing to attract customers. (referring to decorative elements used to enhance appeal)
• The charity's annual report was criticized for its window dressing of the organization's achievements. (referring to false representation)
• The politician's promises were just window dressing to gain votes. (referring to superficial actions to create a positive image)
• I need to do some window dressing before my guests arrive. (referring to tidying up the house)
• The company's financial statements were just a window dressing to hide their losses. (referring to misleading or deceptive practices)
• The director's artistic choices were more than just window dressing, they added depth and meaning to the film. (referring to the use of aesthetics to enhance a work of art)