Lipstick on a pig [exp.]

An attempt to put a favorable spin on a negative situation. “Tim’s sales numbers are terrible. Even he can’t put lipstick on that pig.”

We don’t have a marketing department because marketing a lot is about putting lipstick on a pig, right? It’s like taking an average idea and trying to dress it up and spin it and make it something better than average.

Gary Friedman, Chairman & CEO
RH
Q4 2020 earnings call

That would be the fundamental reasons why we carved out, ring-fenced, and sold a minor participation. We don’t want to put a lipstick on a pig.

Eduardo Bartolomeo, CEO
Vale
Q4 2022 earnings call

You can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig. Fortunately, unlike many elected officials, our team recognizes pork and is willing to do the unpopular work to get the job done right.

Matt Missad, CEO
UFP Industries, Inc.
Q3 2024 earnings call

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