A dog and pony show
noun
A display or event that is overexcited to attract attention, but lacks substance or importance.
The press conference was just a dog and pony show to distract from the company's sinking stock prices.
Often appears as...
- put on a dog and pony show
- stage a dog and pony show
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
noun
A complex and elaborate presentation or display designed to impress.
The company put on a dog and pony show for the potential investors, complete with slideshows and a tour of the facility.
Often appears as...
- prepare a dog and pony show
- a dog and pony show on a grand scale
Usage tips
Informal, Neutral
Business
noun
A display or event that is overexcited to attract attention, but lacks substance or importance.
The press conference was just a dog and pony show to distract from the company's sinking stock prices.
Often appears as...
- put on a dog and pony show
- stage a dog and pony show
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
noun
A complex and elaborate presentation or display designed to impress.
The company put on a dog and pony show for the potential investors, complete with slideshows and a tour of the facility.
Often appears as...
- prepare a dog and pony show
- a dog and pony show on a grand scale
Usage tips
Informal, Neutral
Business
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Skepticism Warranted
Use this phrase to convey doubt about the true value or intention of something flashy or dramatic.
The elaborate presentation was just a dog and pony show hiding their lack of real results.
Pro Tip 2/3Critically Dismissive
The phrase often implies you think the event is intentionally deceptive or distracting.
That political rally was a total dog and pony show—no real issues were addressed.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
It usually has a negative connotation; don't use it when you mean to compliment.
The startup's pitch felt like a dog and pony show, all hype and no substance.
Pro Tip 1/3Skepticism Warranted
Use this phrase to convey doubt about the true value or intention of something flashy or dramatic.
The elaborate presentation was just a dog and pony show hiding their lack of real results.
Pro Tip 2/3Critically Dismissive
The phrase often implies you think the event is intentionally deceptive or distracting.
That political rally was a total dog and pony show—no real issues were addressed.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
It usually has a negative connotation; don't use it when you mean to compliment.
The startup's pitch felt like a dog and pony show, all hype and no substance.
Pro Tip 1/3Skepticism Warranted
Use this phrase to convey doubt about the true value or intention of something flashy or dramatic.
The elaborate presentation was just a dog and pony show hiding their lack of real results.
Pro Tip 2/3Critically Dismissive
The phrase often implies you think the event is intentionally deceptive or distracting.
That political rally was a total dog and pony show—no real issues were addressed.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
It usually has a negative connotation; don't use it when you mean to compliment.
The startup's pitch felt like a dog and pony show, all hype and no substance.
Never forget "A dog and pony show"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension