do something/be for show

be for show

To be done merely for the sake of appearance, rather than being genuine or sincere. Edward always carries a book around with him, but it's all for show so he can appear smarter to other people. The items in the window are just for show, so I'm afraid I can't sell them to you.
See also: show

for show

Done merely for the sake of appearance; not genuine or sincere. Edward always carries a lot of highly literary books around with him, but it's all for show so he can appear smarter to other people. The items in the window are just for show, so I'm afraid I can't sell them to you.
See also: show
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

do something/be for ˈshow

do something/be done to attract attention or admiration, and for no other purpose: That expensive computer is just for show; he doesn’t really know how to use it.
See also: show, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be for show
  • for show
  • with (one's) hand on (one's) heart
  • with your hand on your heart
  • put (one's) hand on (one's) heart
  • argue the point
  • for its own sake
  • for God's sake
  • for God's, heaven's, pity's, etc. sake
  • for Pete's sake