逢场作戏

逢场作戏

Literally means:

put on a performance when occasion arises

Actually means:

act to the occasion; play a game

逢 means "meet"; 场 refers to a place for acting; 作戏 means acting in a play.

This phrase means that, in the ancient times street artists performed when the occasions arose. Now it means joining temporarily in the fun when there is a chance or acting to the occasion. It indicates that the person is not serious in doing so. Derogatory.

逢，遇到。场，演戏的场地。作戏，演戏。

逢场作戏，旧时指街头艺人遇到适合的场合就表演。现指临时碰上某种场合或机会，就跟着凑凑热闹，随便应酬一下。含有不严肃，不认真的意思。具有贬义色彩。