表面文章 Superficiality
Explanation
比喻只注重表面现象，不注重实际内容或效果。
A metaphor for something that is only superficially considered, without paying attention to the actual content or effect.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，有个县令特别喜欢在表面上做文章。他每年都修建漂亮的衙门，穿戴华丽的服饰，大肆宴请宾客，弄得表面上风光无限。可是，他却忽视了百姓疾苦，百姓生活困苦，赋税沉重，他却置之不理。有一天，皇帝微服私访来到这个县城，看到了百姓们的生活现状，心中十分愤怒。他立即下令彻查这个县令的贪污腐败行为。结果查明，这个县令中饱私囊，搜刮民脂民膏，早已家财万贯。皇帝龙颜大怒，将这个县令贬为庶民，并下令严惩类似行为，告诫官员们要注重实际，不要只做表面文章。从此，这个县城变得焕然一新，百姓们安居乐业，过上了幸福的生活。
In the Tang Dynasty, there was a county magistrate who particularly liked to make a fuss about appearances. Every year he would build beautiful yamen, wear gorgeous clothes, and lavishly entertain guests, making a dazzling appearance. However, he ignored the suffering of the people, who lived in poverty and heavy taxes. One day, the emperor went to the county incognito and saw the current situation of the people, feeling very angry. He immediately ordered a thorough investigation of the county magistrate's corruption. As a result, it was found out that the county magistrate was enriching himself, embezzling public funds, and accumulating a fortune. The emperor was furious and demoted the county magistrate to a commoner and ordered severe punishment for similar behavior, warning officials to focus on the reality and not to just pay attention to appearances. From then on, the county was transformed, and the people lived in peace and prosperity.
Usage
多用于批评那些只注重表面形式，不注重实际效果的人或事。
Often used to criticize people or things that only focus on superficial forms and not on the actual results.
Examples
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他的报告只是做做表面文章，实际内容空洞乏味。
tadebaogaozhishizuozuobiaomianwenzhang,shijieneirongkongdongfami.
His report was just superficial rhetoric, the actual content was hollow and insipid.
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一些人只顾表面文章，不注重实际效果。
yixierenzhiguobiaomianwenzhang,buzhongshishijixiaoguo
Some people only care about superficial things and not about the actual results.