虛有其表

虚有其表
xūyǒuqíbiǎo
  1. looks impressive but is worthless (idiom)
  2. not as good as it looks
  3. a reputation with no substance

CEDICT

to look impressive but lack real worth

Wiktionary

語出唐．鄭處誨《明皇雜錄》：「玄宗常器重蘇頲，……夜召蕭嵩草制，……嵩既退，上擲其草於地曰：『虛有其表耳。』」後用以形容空有華麗的外表，卻無實際的內涵。

重編國語辭典

用以形容空有華麗的外表，卻無實際的內涵。

維基詞典

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 有 yǒu
  1. to have; there is
  2. (bound form) having; with; -ful; -ed; -al (as in 有意 yǒuyì intentional)
3 其 qí
  1. his
  2. her
  3. its
  4. their
  5. that
  6. such
  7. it (refers to sth preceding it)
=4 表 biǎo
  1. exterior surface
  2. family relationship via females
  3. to show (one's opinion)
  4. a model
  5. a table (listing information)
  6. a form
  7. a meter (measuring sth)
=4 表 biǎo
  1. watch (timepiece)
  2. meter; gauge