lipstick on a pig

lipstick on a pig

Some superficial or cosmetic change to something so that it seems more attractive, appealing, or successful than it really is. The only things the new manager has come up with to save the restaurant have been to put lipstick on a pig, but slapping on a fresh coat of paint and making a few repairs will do nothing to address the underlying problems. This new operating system is just lipstick on a pig, if you ask me. It's still just as buggy and unintuitive as the last one they released.
See also: lipstick, on, pig
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • lipstick
  • put lipstick on a pig
  • nail polish on a hangnail
  • polish
  • bright shiny object
  • spiff up
  • spiffed up
  • pour cold water on
  • pour cold water on something
  • pour/throw cold water on something
References in periodicals archive
"You can put lipstick on a pig," he said, "it's still a pig.
Lipstick on a pig comment offensive; The World Today
Marsh told viewers that Megson might have made Sean Gregan his top summer signing but that 'you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig'.
Megson's Sky larks over pig dig
But, as they say, "you can out lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig!".
Forced out by noise; FEEDBACK
In a comment many believe was aimed at Palin, the Illinois senator said: "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig."
RESULT!: Obama's had his chips as McCain takes lead
"You can put lipstick on a pig," he said to an outbreak of laughter, shouts and raucous applause from an audience in Virginia on Tuesday.
INTERNATIONAL: Lipstick sparks new war of words
It produced an Internet ad implying that Obama had called Palin a pig when he used a familiar phrase, which McCain also has used, about putting "lipstick on a pig" to try to make a bad situation look better.
Will Public Believe McCain 'Doublespeak' -- Or the Press?
On one side is a photo of US president Barack Obama with lipstick on his face with the words: "You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig, and the USA will still be the USA."
Slur on MP by 'nutters'
Obama told supporters: "You can put lipstick on a pig, and it is still a pig."
Watch out, Obama, you're the one acting like a swine
What in God's name was going through Obama's brain on Tuesday when he said "You can put lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig".
Presidential candidates acting like pigs in a sty; VIEW FROM SLANE CASTLE
He had said: "You can put lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig.
Obama hits back over lipstick jibe; POLITICS
Meanhile, Obama accused McCain and running-mate Sarah Palin of trying to "put lipstick on a pig."
Gloves are off; RACE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE 2008 McCAIN'S FURY AT OBAMA 'PIG' JIBE AS WHITE HOUSE RACE GETS NASTY