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Region: US | Usage example: Rebranding the poor product felt like lipstick on a pig.

Lipstick on a pig

Meaning

An attempt to dress up something that remains fundamentally flawed.

Usage

Used when surface changes fail to fix core problems.

Origin & History

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

Political commentators in the 20th century likened cosmetic fixes to futile efforts.

The modern version took off with media satire in the 1980s.

Related Idioms

Shoot the moon

Attempt something bold and ambitious

A shot in the arm

Something that boosts morale or energy.

Beat a dead horse

Waste effort on something already decided.

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.