keep up appearances

verb1

1. •
   To artificially maintain an outward sign of normality; to maintain an appearance of wealth, comfort, or propriety.

   • For my father's sake, I thought I must keep up appearances, but the food stuck in my throat, and I could not swallow another mouthful.
   • With tact and management it would be possible to partially satisfy creditors, and keep up appearances for six months more.