内うち裸はだかでも外そと錦にしき

expression

keep up appearances; dress up outwardly despite inner poverty

Proverb meaning that one must maintain a good outward appearance to get along in the world, even if one is struggling or lacking inside.

• 「内うち裸はだかでも外そと錦にしき」というように、世よの中なかを渡わたるには見み栄えを張はることも必ひつ要ようだ。

  As the saying goes, 'Even if you're naked inside, wear brocade outside' — to get along in the world, you sometimes need to keep up appearances.