window dressing

plural window dressings · alternative window-dressing

1. countableuncountableThe decorative display of retail merchandise in store windows; the goods and trimmings used in such a display.

   On Sundays when the Red Light District is closed until 6 P.M., many Dutch families use the window dressings as the textbook for their children’s sex education.

   1991, Winn Schwartau, chapter 18, in Terminal Compromise, Seminole, Florida: Inter.Pact

   2 more examples

   The linen-draper at the corner under the town clock was divided between keeping an eye on his apprentices to see that they did not spar with yard sticks, and mentally criticising the ludicrous and meretricious window-dressing of his next-door neighbour.

   1897, S. R. Crockett, chapter 33, in The Surprising Adventures of Sir Toady Lion with Those of General Napoleon Smith, New York: Frederick A. Stokes, page 252

   […] a shop where a shingle could be had for two shillings in the same building as a coffin-maker’s who worked in oak, elm or lead: no window-dressing but one child’s coffin dusty with disuse and the list of hairdressing prices.

   1938, Graham Greene, chapter 3, in Brighton Rock, Vintage, published 2002

   Synonyms: shop window

2. uncountableThe process, skill or task of creating such a display.

   Such days as there was no window-dressing there was a mighty carrying and lifting of blocks and bales of goods into piles and stacks.

   1905, H. G. Wells, Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul, New York: Scribner, Book I, Chapter 2, p. 46

   1 more example

   Down in the village Ras Beebe began his twice-a-year window dressing, removing the caps, candy, sweaters, oil heaters, patent medicines and mittens to substitute bathing suits, candy, straw hats, toy shovels, patent medicines and caps.

   1921, Joseph C. Lincoln, chapter 15, in Galusha the Magnificent, New York: D. Appleton & Co., page 252

3. figurativelyuncountableA means of creating a deceptively favourable impression of something or someone; something for appearance only.

   These latest modifications are mere window dressing; the same problems remain.

   3 more examples

   Meanwhile, the left is deliberately running more ethnically diverse candidates in the parliamentary elections next year, claiming Sarkozy's one-time "rainbow" cabinet of racially diverse women had turned out to be window dressing.

   2011 December 14, Angelique Chrisafis, “Rachida Dati accuses French PM of sexism and elitism”, in Guardian

   The corruption and conflicts of interests Mr. Mitsotakis pledged to root out not only still exist but also, in many respects, appear to have concentrated and deepened. Far from having been overhauled, the Greek state has received only a cosmetic makeover, a managerial window dressing.

   2022 August 22, Alexander Clapp, “The Rot at the Heart of Greece Is Now Clear for Everyone to See”, in The New York Times, →ISSN

   In all likelihood, the re-tendering promise will be a window dressing exercise to appease a number of Conservative MPs who are at odds with an approach that extends nationalisation.

   2023 May 31, 'Industry Insider', “Dft calls time on TPE”, in RAIL, number 984, page 68

   Synonyms: eyewash