1
general::
Also, make an appearance. Be present, especially for a short time, as in We were hoping the rock star would put in an appearance, but she didn't show up, or She was tired and didn't want to go to the party, but decided she had to make an appearance. [Second half of 1600s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): put in an appearance (at something)
to appear briefly at some place or at some event. • I only wanted to put in an appearance at the reception, but I ended up staying for two hours. • Do we have to stay a long time, or can we just put in an appearance?
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs