window dressing
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 window dressing、superficial improvement for appearances
It describes window dressing: making something look good on the surface without improving its substance or addressing the real problem.
window dressing、superficial improvement for appearances
A superficial action or improvement made mainly to create a good appearance, usually described critically.
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ทำงานแบบผักชีโรยหน้า tham ŋaan bɛ̀ɛp phàkchii rooy nâa do a superficial job just for appearances ทำงานแบบผักชีโรยหน้า details
Learning notes
Explanation
This idiom combines ผักชี “cilantro” with โรยหน้า “sprinkle on top.” A little cilantro sprinkled over a dish can improve its appearance without changing what is underneath. From that image, the expression came to mean cosmetic work done for show rather than genuine improvement. Common patterns include ทำงานแบบผักชีโรยหน้า, “do a superficial job for appearances,” and แก้ปัญหาแบบผักชีโรยหน้า, “apply a cosmetic fix to a problem.”
Usage
It is used when a workplace or school tidies up only for an inspection, when an organization applies a cosmetic fix instead of addressing the cause, or when a government announces a policy that lacks substance. It appears in everyday speech, news reports, and social commentary.
Caution
This does not simply mean a temporary measure. It negatively suggests that appearances are being prioritized while the substance is neglected, so using it about someone’s work can sound sharply critical. For literally sprinkling cilantro over food, โรยหน้าด้วยผักชี is clearer.
Differences from similar words
1 window dressing synonyms
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ตบตา broadly means deceiving or fooling people and more strongly suggests deliberate deception. ผักชีโรยหน้า criticizes cosmetic work that leaves the underlying situation unchanged.