Deception through false advertising—presenting something of low quality as if it were high quality, or making promises that the actual product or service doesn't keep.
In ancient China, mutton was considered a delicacy while dog meat was common fare. A merchant hanging a sheep's head to attract customers but selling dog meat was the ultimate scam.
This saying exposes the gap between appearance and reality—a concern deeply rooted in Chinese culture's emphasis on sincerity (诚). It signals that Chinese people are alert to hypocrisy and value substance over show.
Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.
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