走过场 zǒuguòchǎng to go through the motions
How to remember 走过场: 走 to walk + 过 to cross + 场 measure word for games and performances = to go through the motions.
Characters
How it is used
- To go through the motions / do sth as an empty formality - 检查只是走过场 (jiǎnchá zhǐshì zǒu guòchǎng) the inspection was just for show.
- From theater (crossing the stage without a real role); negative - form without substance.
- Near 形式主义 (xíngshìzhǔyì, formalism); 走过场 is the concrete act of a perfunctory going-through.