以假象蒙人，掩人耳目
to give the appearance of being better than the true situation
I suspect these statistics flatter to deceive. 我怀疑这些数据是掩人耳目的。
I'm afraid I think the present calm flatters to deceive and is just a lull in hostilities.
Alas, this brief success flattered to deceive.
They started well but after a beginning that flattered to deceive, it was all downhill.
The takings over the holidays were good but as far as the long-term viability of the business is concerned, they flatter to deceive.
See also: flatter