What is a false front?

Answer 1

The term 'false front' is basically literal. It means to place something in front of something else to change or disguise its appearance.

It can be as simple as placing a brick wall half way up the front of a building to give an impression of a brick building; modern kitchen cabinets with antique style doors; a closet, room or passageway in a building with a book shelf hiding it; to dress up in your best attire and a smile for a function when you don't really feel like going; a business or person claiming to be one thing when they have a hidden agenda; or someone pretending to be someone or something that they are not.