表面文章

biǎomiànwénzhāng ㄅㄧㄠˇ ㄇㄧㄢˋ ㄨㄣˊ ㄓㄤ

    • superficial show
    • going through the motions

Character by character

Saying俗语俗語

Idiom惯用语 · In everyday use

Literally
surface essay
Meaning
Superficial show done for appearances without real substance. Critical (做表面文章).

Sources