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Region: US | Usage example: The product launch was a full dog and pony show.

Dog and pony show

Meaning

A showy presentation designed to impress.

Usage

Used critically to describe superficial demonstrations.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Early 20th-century traveling exhibitions featuring performing animals.

Entered business jargon for flashy displays around the 1950s.

Related Idioms

Steal the show

Attract more attention than others in a performance or event.

One-trick pony

Someone or something with only one skill or feature.

Get the show on the road

Start an activity or project with action.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.