(someone/something) has more bark than bite

something is not as unpleasant as you expected.

The storm turned out to have far more bark than bite.

My boss sounds tough, but her bark is much worse than her bite, and she's actually pretty easy to work for once you get to know her.

• ass is on the line
• ass-kisser
• ass off
• as something as they come
• as soon as
• as soon as possible
• as soon as something
• ass over teacup
• ass over teakettle
• as straight as a die
• as strong as a bull
• as strong as an ox
• as such
• as sure as eggs
• as sure as eggs are eggs
• as sure as eggs is eggs
• a stab in the back
• a stag night
• a stag party
• a stalking horse
• a standard-bearer
• a steady hand on the tiller
• a step in the right direction
• as the crow flies
• as the spirit moves