逢场作戏
féng chǎng zuò xì
ZH
to join in a game/performance when an occasion arises; to act casually or insincerely just for the occasion, not out of genuine intention
他并不是真的喜欢喝酒，不过是在酒局上逢场作戏罢了。
He doesn't actually like drinking; he is just going along with the occasion at the dinner party.
Etymology
This idiom originated from the Song Dynasty. It originally referred to itinerant performers setting up their show wherever there was an audience, and later evolved to mean casual participation just for the occasion.
Memory Aid
Break the idiom down: 逢 (meet) + 场 (occasion) + 作戏 (put on a show) = put on a show when you meet an occasion.
Collocations
不过逢场作戏只是逢场作戏逢场作戏罢了
Synonyms
随俗应酬虚与委蛇
Antonyms
真心实意认认真真
Related Words
装模作样应酬敷衍