Paper Moon
Stage prop celestial
Paper Moon refers to something false or illusory that nonetheless creates a convincing appearance—from the prop crescents once used in photography studios to simulate moonlit scenes.
The 1933 song "It's Only a Paper Moon" established the phrase: a paper moon isn't real, but with someone who believes in you, it wouldn't be make-believe if you believed in me.
The term evokes theatrical artifice, cheap romance, and the willing suspension of disbelief.
- crescentCurved sickle-like arc
- songMusical piece with words
- illusionMisleading sensory impression
- cardboardRigid paper for containers
- stageRaised performance platform
romance · depression · con · grift · con artist · 1930s · Great Depression · Tatum · Ryan O'Neal · honeysuckle · serenade · vaudeville · backdrop · cutout · theatrical · nostalgia · sepia · photograph
- Road MoviesEasy Rider, Thelma and Louise, National Lampoon's Vacation, Rain Man, Dumb and Dumber
- Moon titlesApollo 13
- Heist FilmsOcean's Eleven, The Italian Job, The Sting, Inside Man, Baby Driver
- Classic FilmsCasablanca, Citizen Kane, Gone with the Wind, Some Like It Hot, Vertigo
- Kid MoviesHome Alone, E.T., Matilda, Annie, Harry Potter
Paper Moongenuine article
Authentic original item
authentic · the real thing · Luna · solid rock · hard truth
Paper Moonbedrock
Solid stone underground
rock · granite · celestial body · iron · the Moon
Paper Moonharsh reality
Uncomfortable actual circumstances
unvarnished truth · disillusionment · eyes wide open · rude awakening · realism
paper, moon, papers, papered, papering, paperwork, papery, moons, mooned