下马威 (xià mǎ wēi) — a display of authority or severity upon assuming a position; an initial show of strength to intimidate

Définition

Exemples

• 新经理一上任就给了大家一个下马威。
  Xīn jīng lǐ yí shàng rèn jiù gěi le dà jiā yí gè xià mǎ wēi.
  The new manager gave everyone a show of power as soon as he took office.
• 他为了树立威信，先来了个下马威。
  Tā wèi le shù lì wēi xìn, xiān lái le gè xià mǎ wēi.
  In order to establish authority, he first gave a show of strength.
• 别以为他好欺负，他刚来时就给了我们一个下马威。
  Bié yǐ wéi tā hǎo qī fu, tā gāng lái shí jiù gěi le wǒ men yí gè xià mǎ wēi.
  Don't think he's easy to bully; he gave us a show of power when he first arrived.