keep up appearances Definition

appearance
noun

1. An act or instance of appearing.

Example: his appearance on TV
2. The outward or superficial look of someone or something.

Example: He never bothered much with his appearance
Thesaurus: look, looks, image, countenance, bearing, mien, mannerism, demeanour, attitude, carriage, air, face, posture.
3. Illusion; pretence.

Example: the appearance of being a reasonable person
4. The outward show or signs by which someone or something is judged or assessed.

Example: appearances can be deceptive
Form: appearances

Idiom: keep up appearances

To put on an outward public show that things are normal, stable, etc when they are not.

Idiom: put in an appearance (make an appearance)

To attend a meeting, party, etc only briefly, especially out of politeness, duty, etc.
Thesaurus: be present, come, appear, show up.

Idiom: to all appearances

So far as it can be seen.

Etymology: 14c.