be for show

be for show

To be done merely for the sake of appearance, rather than being genuine or sincere. Edward always carries a book around with him, but it's all for show so he can appear smarter to other people. The items in the window are just for show, so I'm afraid I can't sell them to you.See also: show

do something/be for ˈshow

do something/be done to attract attention or admiration, and for no other purpose: That expensive computer is just for show; he doesn’t really know how to use it.See also: show, something