Definition
形同虚设 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning something exists in name only but serves no real purpose — like a rule that's never enforced, a position with no power, or equipment that's never used. The literal image is 'its form is the same as if it were set up in vain.' You can use it to criticize institutions, policies, or systems that are technically present but functionally absent.
idiom
to exist in name onlyto serve no practical function
Examples
- ，形同虚设，。Zhè tiáo fǎlǜ suīrán cúnzài, dàn xíng tóng, méi rén zūnshǒu.This law exists, but it serves no function — nobody follows it.
- 形同虚设，。Gōngsī lǐ de jiāndū bùmén xíng tóng, gēnběn bù qǐ zuòyòng.The company's oversight department exists in name only; it doesn't work at all.
- 形同虚设，。Zhèxiē ānquán cuòshī xíng tóng, chū le shì shéi yě jiù bù liǎo.These safety measures are just for show — if something happens, no one can save you.
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