1
general::
An elaborate presentation to gain approval for a product or policy. For example, The administration loved putting on a dog-and-pony show for every minor change of policy. This term alludes to a traveling variety show. [1950s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): dog and pony show
Fig. a display, demonstration, or exhibition of something—such as something one is selling. (As in a circus act where trained dogs leap onto and off of trained ponies.) • Gary went into his standard dog and pony show, trying to sell us on an upgrade to our software. • Don’t you get tired of running through the same old dog and pony show at every trade show?
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs