something which appears superficially fit for purpose but is in reality entirely unsuited to the task; used in reference to a plan, concept, idea, etc., that has not been adequately thought through or is being rushed out to satisfy some pressing deadline; suggests that the first attempt to test something live will immediately lead to messy or catastrophic failure; this phrase is chiefly used in areas of British influence; similar in concept to Potemkin village, a term from the world of government and politics that references deliberate deception