keep up appearances
To artificially maintain an outward sign of normality; to maintain an appearance of wealth, comfort, or propriety.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They keep up appearances even though they have no money.”
“Despite the constant arguments behind closed doors, the couple tried to keep up appearances for their neighbors.”
“The disgraced executive struggled to keep up appearances, attending high-profile galas while his company faced a public investigation.”
- 01
cobbler, keep to your last
One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.
- 02
earn one's keep
To perform satisfactory physical labor or to provide other worthy services in return for remuneration, lodging, or other benefits; to support oneself financially.
- 03
gift that keeps on giving
Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.
- 04
keep a civil tongue in one's head
To maintain a polite manner of speaking.
- 05
keep a close watch
to pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.
- 06
keep a cool head
To keep one's cool; to stay calm.
- 07
keep a lid on
To keep something secret.
- 08
keep a low profile
To be discreet and quiet.
Last updated August 10, 2026