摆门面

摆门面

Literally means:

keep up the appearance

Actually means:

门面 (shop front) metaphorically refers to the appearance.

This phrase means decorating and showing the best side, especially by emphasizing ostentation and seeking a luxury appearance in order to gain good feeling from others, It implies that what is inside may not be as good as its appearance. Slightly derogatory.

门面，商店房屋沿街的部分，比喻外表。

摆门面，指装饰并展现人家看得见的一面，特别是讲排场，追求外表的豪华，以便获得人家的好感。含有外表好看，里面不一定好看的意思。略含贬义。