纸老虎 (zhǐ lǎo hǔ) — paper tiger (something that seems dangerous but is actually weak)
Definition
A set phrase (from Mao's famous essay) for something that looks threatening but is actually weak — usually used for people, regimes, or threats that 'can't withstand a real test.'
noun
paper tiger (something that seems dangerous but is actually weak)
Examples
- ，纸老虎，。Bié pà, tā jiù shì gè zhǐ lǎo hǔ, zhī huì shuō dà huà.Don't be afraid, he's just a paper tiger — all talk and no action.
- 纸老虎，。Zhè ge guó jiā de jūn shì wēi xié bú guò shì zhǐ lǎo hǔ, jīng bù qǐ kǎo yàn.This country's military threat is nothing but a paper tiger — it can't withstand a real test.
- ，纸老虎。Biǎo miàn shàng tā hěn qiáng shì, qí shí shì gè zhǐ lǎo hǔ.He seems tough on the surface, but in reality he's a paper tiger.
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