Signification
To behave properly to avoid scandal.
Contexte culturel
In traditional Greek villages, 'keeping up appearances' was a survival strategy. If a family's reputation was tarnished, it could affect marriage prospects and business deals. In cities like Athens, the phrase is often used ironically to criticize the 'vitrina' (showcase) lifestyle of people who spend more than they have to look wealthy. Even for non-religious Greeks, attending church for weddings or funerals and 'keeping up appearances' is seen as a sign of respect for the community and tradition. Greek business culture values personal relationships. Keeping up appearances during a disagreement is crucial to 'saving face' for the other party, allowing for future cooperation.
Use it for 'Face'
Whenever you would say 'saving face' in English, 'κρατώ τα προσχήματα' is usually your best Greek equivalent.
Plural Only
Never say 'το πρόσχημα' in this idiom. It's a dead giveaway that you're a learner!
Signification
To behave properly to avoid scandal.
Use it for 'Face'
Whenever you would say 'saving face' in English, 'κρατώ τα προσχήματα' is usually your best Greek equivalent.
Plural Only
Never say 'το πρόσχημα' in this idiom. It's a dead giveaway that you're a learner!
Formal Alternative
Use 'τηρώ τα προσχήματα' in a formal essay or business email to sound more native and professional.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κρατώ' and the noun 'προσχήματα'.
Παρόλο που δεν τον συμπαθεί καθόλου, πάντα ______ τα ______ όταν τον συναντά.
The subject is 'he' (third person singular), and the idiom requires the plural 'προσχήματα'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct option:
Keeping up appearances involves being polite in public despite negative feelings.
Match the situation to the reason for 'keeping up appearances'.
1. A political summit. 2. A family dinner with a secret debt. 3. A workplace with a bad boss.
Each context has a specific social 'audience' that requires the 'proskhima'.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΠαρόλο που δεν τον συμπαθεί καθόλου, πάντα ______ τα ______ όταν τον συναντά.
The subject is 'he' (third person singular), and the idiom requires the plural 'προσχήματα'.
Choose the correct option:
Keeping up appearances involves being polite in public despite negative feelings.
1. A political summit. 2. A family dinner with a secret debt. 3. A workplace with a bad boss.
Each context has a specific social 'audience' that requires the 'proskhima'.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsNot necessarily. While it can imply hypocrisy, it is often seen as a sign of maturity and social intelligence—knowing when to stay quiet for the sake of peace.
Yes, but usually when talking *about* a third party or a formal event you all attended.
'Για τα μάτια του κόσμου' is more critical and implies the action is 100% fake, whereas 'κρατώ τα προσχήματα' is more about following social rules.
No, it is almost exclusively used in the active voice. You wouldn't say 'τα προσχήματα κρατήθηκαν' in normal speech.
No, it is strictly for social behavior and reputation.
Extremely common. You will hear it in news, movies, and daily gossip.
Expressions liées
για τα μάτια του κόσμου
similarJust for show / for the eyes of the world.
σώζω τα προσχήματα
specialized formTo save appearances.
έξω από τα δόντια
contrastTo speak bluntly/frankly.
κάνω το κορόιδο
similarTo play the fool / pretend not to notice.
