put on an act

Idioms and Phrases

Pretend, especially in order to deceive; also, show off. For example, We were afraid Charlie had hurt himself, but he was just putting on an act , or We know you're a good swimmer—stop putting on an act . [c. 1930]

Example Sentences

But Clifford also knows that every country singer has to put on an act, and Lil is working one, too.

From Washington Post

She didn’t put on an act for her phone camera; she let it capture her raw talent, making it hard for viewers to look away from her buttery bass covers of Prince and Megan Thee Stallion.

From Washington Post

She also claims that the inclusion of cameras in the courtroom encouraged both Depp and Heard to "put on an act" and basically, "cheapens" the larger conversation on serious topics like abuse.

From Salon

There are a couple of jokes about the “cannibals” the white tourists fear being native people hired to put on an act, but in the very same scene in which it’s revealed that Lily and MacGregor are falling for racist stereotypes, the script turns to jokes about how the native people have only the most rudimentary grasp of the English language.

From Slate

I feel like I can’t put on an act of loving support anymore, although I know this is supposed to be one of the most important things a wife can do in this situation.

From Slate