window dressing

Noun

window dressing (countable and uncountable, plural window dressings)

1. The decorative display of retail merchandise in store windows; the goods and trimmings used in such a display.
   • The linen-draper at the corner under the town clock was divided between keeping an eye on his apprentices to see that they did not spar with yard sticks, and mentally criticising the ludicrous and meretricious window-dressing of his next-door neighbour.1897, S. R. Crockett, chapter 33, in The Surprising Adventures of Sir Toady Lion with Those of General Napoleon Smith, New York: Frederick A. Stokes, page 252
   • […] a shop where a shingle could be had for two shillings in the same building as a coffin-maker’s who worked in oak, elm or lead: no window-dressing but one child’s coffin dusty with disuse and the list of hairdressing prices.1938, Graham Greene, chapter 3, in Brighton Rock, Vintage, published 2002

   Synonyms:

   shop window

2. (uncountable) The process, skill or task of creating such a display.
   • Such days as there was no window-dressing there was a mighty carrying and lifting of blocks and bales of goods into piles and stacks.1905, H. G. Wells, Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul, New York: Scribner, Book I, Chapter 2, p. 46
   • Down in the village Ras Beebe began his twice-a-year window dressing, removing the caps, candy, sweaters, oil heaters, patent medicines and mittens to substitute bathing suits, candy, straw hats, toy shovels, patent medicines and caps.1921, Joseph C. Lincoln, chapter 15, in Galusha the Magnificent, New York: D. Appleton & Co., page 252
3. (figuratively, uncountable) A means of creating a deceptively favourable impression of something or someone; something for appearance only.
   • These latest modifications are mere window dressing; the same problems remain.
   • Meanwhile, the left is deliberately running more ethnically diverse candidates in the parliamentary elections next year, claiming Sarkozy's one-time "rainbow" cabinet of racially diverse women had turned out to be window dressing.2011 December 14, Angelique Chrisafis, “Rachida Dati accuses French PM of sexism and elitism”, in Guardian

   Synonyms:

   eyewash