虛應故事

虚应故事
xūyìnggùshì
to go through the motions

CEDICT

故事，成例。虛應故事指依照成例，敷衍了事。

重編國語辭典

Entry Composition

1 虛 xū
  1. emptiness
  2. void
  3. abstract theory or guiding principles
  4. empty or unoccupied
  5. diffident or timid
  6. false
  7. humble or modest
  8. (of health) weak
  9. virtual
  10. in vain
2 應 yìng
  1. to answer
  2. to respond
  3. to comply with
  4. to deal or cope with
=3 故事 gùshì old practice
=3 故事 gùshi narrative; story; tale

Related entries

走過場 zǒuguòchǎng to go through the motions
引而不發 yǐnérbùfā
  1. to pull the bow without shooting (idiom from Mencius); ready and waiting for action
  2. to go through the motions
  3. to practice
  4. a trial run
糊弄 hùnong
  1. to fool
  2. to deceive
  3. to go through the motions
胡弄 húnong
  1. to fool
  2. to deceive
  3. to go through the motions
過場 guòchǎng
  1. interlude
  2. to cross the stage
  3. to do sth as a mere formality
  4. to go through the motions