Definition
改头换面 is a chengyu that means to change only the outward appearance while keeping the underlying content or nature the same. It carries a mildly negative connotation — someone is trying to pass off something old as new by giving it a fresh look. The literal image ('change head, change face') is not what it means; focus on the superficiality of the change.
id.
to make superficial changesto change only the appearance while keeping the substance the same
Examples
- 改头换面，。Zhè zhǒng chǎnpǐn zhǐshì gǎi tóu huàn miàn, héxīn pèifāng gēnběn méi biàn.This product has only undergone superficial changes — the core formula hasn't changed at all.
- ，改头换面，。Tā huàn le ge fàxíng hé yīfu, dàn dàjiā dōu juéde tā zhǐshì gǎi tóu huàn miàn, xìnggé háishì lǎo yàngzi.He got a new haircut and clothes, but everyone thinks he's just put a new face on things — his personality is still the same.
- ，。Zhège jìhuà gǎi tóu huàn miàn zhīhòu yòu tíjiāo le yí cì, kěxī nèiróng jīhū méi gǎi.The plan was resubmitted after a superficial revamp, but unfortunately the content is barely changed.
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