keep up appearances
US /kiːp ʌp əˈpɪr.ən.sɪz/
UK /kiːp ʌp əˈpɪr.ən.sɪz/
1.
sauver les apparences, garder les apparences
to pretend to be happier, less poor, etc., than you really are, because you do not want people to know how bad your real situation is
:
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Despite their financial struggles, they tried to keep up appearances for their children.
Malgré leurs difficultés financières, ils ont essayé de sauver les apparences pour leurs enfants.
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She always dresses well to keep up appearances, even when she's feeling down.
Elle s'habille toujours bien pour sauver les apparences, même quand elle se sent mal.