形かたちだけ

expression

merely for form's sake; just going through the motions

Describes an action done only superficially, without real substance or sincerity. Often used when someone follows a procedure or custom without genuine intent.

• 彼かれの謝しゃ罪ざいは形かたちだけだった。

  His apology was merely for form's sake.

• 会かい議ぎは形かたちだけで、実じっ質しつ的てきな議ぎ論ろんはなかった。

  The meeting was just going through the motions; there was no real discussion.