window dressing
Attractive but misleading
Window dressing is the arrangement of merchandise in a store window to attract customers.
Figuratively, it describes superficial improvements meant to create a favorable impression while masking underlying problems: The reforms were just window dressing—nothing really changed.
In finance, window dressing refers to transactions made near reporting dates to make portfolios or accounts look better than they are.
Deceptive outward appearance
- pretenseDeceptive outward show
- shamFraudulent imitation
- charadeAbsurd or obvious pretense
- masqueradeDeceptive act or costume party
guise · subterfuge · camouflage · disguise · smokescreen · spin · veneer · whitewash
Life-sized display figure
- storefrontRetail facade facing street
- showcaseCabinet for displaying items
- merchandisingPromoting and selling goods
- displayPresentation for viewing
visual · arrangement · presentation · exhibit · boutique · signage · lighting · fixture
Hanging fabric window covers
- drapesHanging window coverings
- valanceOrnamental window heading
- sheersTurns sharply away
- blindsAdjustable slatted window coverings
shutters · swags · tiers · panels · cornice · rods · finials · tassels
Misleading financial reporting
- financial engineeringDesigning novel monetary instruments
- capitalizationUsing big letters properly
- restatementRewording of something said
- regulatory scrutinyOfficial examination of compliance
facade
Deceptive outward appearance
masquerade · guise · subterfuge · camouflage · disguise · smokescreen · spin · veneer · whitewash · cosmetic
mannequin
Life-sized display figure
- storefrontRetail facade facing street
- showcaseCabinet for displaying items
- merchandisingPromoting and selling goods
display · visual · arrangement · presentation · exhibit · boutique · signage · lighting · fixture · props
curtains
Hanging fabric window covers
blinds · shutters · swags · tiers · panels · cornice · rods · finials · tassels · voile
creative accounting
Misleading financial reporting
- financial engineeringDesigning novel monetary instruments
- capitalizationUsing big letters properly
- restatementRewording of something said
- Store Displaymannequin, signage, showcase, merchandise, price tags
- storefrontsstorefront, shop front, facade, awning, shop sign
- gimmicksgimmick, trick, ploy, stunt, gag
- financial fraudsecurities fraud, bank fraud, accounting fraud, defalcation, embezzler
- half-measuresband-aid, token effort, lip service, stopgap, quick fix
- superficialityshallowness, superficiality, hollowness, emptiness, skin deep
window dressingsubstance
Physical material with mass
the real thing · genuine article · authenticity · reality · meat and potatoes
window dressingstructural change
Modification to core architecture
systemic change · overhaul · transformation · paradigm shift · sea change
window dressingfull disclosure
Withholding no information
transparency · unvarnished truth · candor · honesty · straight talk
window, dressing, dresser, windows, windowsill, windowsills, bay window, dormer window, picture window