Keep up appearances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Keep up appearances" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to maintaining a facade or outward appearance, often to hide the true situation or feelings. Example: "Despite their financial struggles, they continue to keep up appearances by hosting lavish parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But how do you keep up appearances when there's no bus to let you appear?

The New York Times

At first she shied away, to keep up appearances.

The New York Times

There was only one way he could keep up appearances.

The Economist

For the other 364 days, the turkeys struggle to keep up appearances, and to get by.

The Economist

With the latter there is no winking, no fig leaves, no need to keep up appearances.

The Economist

So they tried to keep up appearances while indulging in a sensual life on the sly.

The New Yorker

Most want to keep up appearances, even if their preference is not in doubt.

The Economist

Or have we just found new ways to keep up appearances?

The Guardian - Opinion

"If I couldn't keep up appearances," he said, "I'd kill myself".

The New Yorker

Today, the labyrinth of quiet, sheltered pathways is struggling to keep up appearances.

The New York Times - Travel

"Absolutely," Ms. Bloom said, explaining that the couple like to keep up appearances.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Keep up appearances" when you want to emphasize the effort someone makes to maintain a certain image, even if it's not genuine.

Common error

Don't use "Keep up appearances" when genuine improvement or well-being is the goal, instead of superficial image management.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Keep up appearances" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's used to describe the act of maintaining a specific outward image or impression, often to conceal one's true feelings or circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Reference

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic verb phrase "Keep up appearances" is commonly used to describe the act of maintaining an outward show, often to conceal true feelings or difficult circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage in English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that its primary function is to convey the intention of projecting a certain image, whether or not it aligns with reality. While versatile across various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media. Alternatives include "maintain a facade", "preserve the image", and "put on a show". Remember to use "Keep up appearances" to highlight efforts to maintain an image, but avoid it when genuine improvement is the goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Maintain a facade

Focuses on the act of maintaining a deceptive outward appearance.

Preserve the image

Emphasizes the act of protecting a particular image or reputation.

Keep up a front

Implies concealing one's true feelings or situation behind a deceptive exterior.

Put on a show

Highlights the artificial and performative nature of the outward display.

Present a false front

Highlights the deceptive intention behind the presented appearance.

Maintain an illusion

Stresses the deceptive and unreal nature of the maintained appearance.

Maintain outward respectability

Focuses on maintaining an image of moral and social acceptability.

Fake it till you make it

Suggests projecting confidence and success even when one is struggling.

Keep a brave face

Emphasizes concealing one's fear or sadness behind a confident exterior.

Act as if everything is fine

Implies deliberately concealing one's troubles from others.

FAQs

What does "Keep up appearances" mean?

The phrase "Keep up appearances" means to maintain an outward show of prosperity, well-being, or normality, often when the reality is quite different. It involves pretending that everything is fine, even when facing difficulties or hardships.

How can I use "Keep up appearances" in a sentence?

You can use "Keep up appearances" to describe situations where someone is trying to hide their true feelings or circumstances. For example: "Despite their financial troubles, they tried to keep up appearances by hosting lavish parties."

What can I say instead of "Keep up appearances"?

You can use alternatives like "maintain a facade", "preserve the image", or "put on a show" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "Keep up appearances"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a degree of deception, sometimes "Keep up appearances" can be a coping mechanism during difficult times or a way to protect loved ones from unnecessary worry. It becomes negative when it prevents addressing underlying problems or causes harm.