a veneer of politeness/sophistication etcformal behaviour that hides someone’s real character or feelings 〔掩饰真实性格或感情的〕彬彬有礼/世故等的伪装 A thin veneer of politeness hid Lady Bride’s growing anger. 布赖德夫人看上去不失礼数，内心的怒火却是愈燃愈烈。
thin veneer• By this he means acquiring a thin veneer of knowledge to mask his corruption.• Above that is a thin veneer of hard cases, who continue offending into their twenties.• A thin veneer of cork is bonded of a painted backing shows through in places to create a two-colour finish.• I was afraid alcohol would eat through the thin veneer of self-control.• Under this thin veneer of modesty lies a monster of greed.
→ a veneer of politeness/sophistication etc at veneer(1)