View synonyms for false front

false front

noun

a façade falsifying the size, finish, or importance of a building, especially one having a humble purpose or cheap construction.
any deceptive appearance:
He hid his great shyness behind a false front of aggressiveness.

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Nibletts suggested our getting a patent laying-box, furnished with (what he apologised to my aunt for calling) a false front.

Mingusville consisted of the railroad station, the section-house, and a story-and-a-half "hotel" with a false front.

Red Oak slept all day behind the drab, sun-bleached, false-front buildings on both sides of the only road.

St. George found himself looking fixedly at Mrs. Hastings' false front as the only reality in the room.

Another is that so far in life I have preserved a stern and unshaken resolution not to wear a false front.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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