dog and pony show

noun

, Informal.

1. an elaborate sales, advertising, or publicity presentation or campaign.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dog and pony show¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Idioms and Phrases

An elaborate presentation to gain approval for a product or policy. For example, The administration loved putting on a dog-and-pony show for every minor change of policy . This term alludes to a traveling variety show. [1950s]

Example Sentences

I remember Bob Iger said to me — he asked me to go to some meeting at ABC; this dog and pony show — and he says, “George, how do we sell Hondas to Latinos?”

From Los Angeles Times

Bazawule is not particularly interested in the “dog and pony show” of awards season.

From Washington Times

Bazawule is not particularly interested in the “dog and pony show” of awards season.

From Seattle Times

The power of money in politics has wholly eclipsed the power of the electorate, even without the help of the tragi-comic dog and pony show we call the Electoral College.

From Salon

“How much did high-level city officials know about the former mayor and the Angels’ plans to put on a dog and pony show that would lead to the sale of our largest city asset?” she asked.

From Los Angeles Times