Definition
粉墨登场 is a four-character idiom that literally means 'to put on powder and makeup and go on stage' — describing actors dressing up to perform in Chinese opera. In modern usage, it carries a strong derogatory tone, referring to someone (often a politician or public figure) who appears on the public stage after deliberate packaging, with a suggestion of hypocrisy, illegitimacy, or ulterior motives. It's comparable to 'to make a grand entrance dressed up for a dubious purpose' in English.
idiom
to put on makeup and go on stage (in opera)
f.e.
(derogatory) to appear on the political or public stage after packaging oneself (implying hypocrisy or illegitimacy)
Examples
- 粉墨登场，。Jīngjù yǎnyuán men fěn mò dēng chǎng, zhǔnbèi kāishǐ biǎoyǎn.The Peking opera actors put on their makeup and went on stage, ready to begin the performance.
- 粉墨登场，。Zhège zhèngkè fěn mò dēng chǎng, shìtú yòng huálì de yǎnjiǎng yǎngài zìjǐ de chǒuwén.This politician made a grand public appearance, trying to cover up his scandals with a glossy speech.
- 粉墨登场，。Yìxiē gōngsī tōngguò xūjiǎ xuānchuán fěn mò dēng chǎng, shíjì shàng chǎnpǐn zhìliàng hěn chà.Some companies appear on the market with false advertising, while their product quality is actually very poor.
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