a paper tiger
paper tiger
A nation or organization that gives the impression that it is threatening or powerful when, in reality, is not. Many people see North Korea as nothing more than a paper tiger, despite its threats against other countries. The new management team tries to command respect through lots of blustery speeches, but all of us workers just see it as a paper tiger.
See also: paper, tiger
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
a paper tiger
If you describe a person, country, or organization as a paper tiger, you mean that although they seem to be powerful, they do not really have any power. Unless the assembly has the power to fire the mayor, it will prove to be nothing but a paper tiger. She had shown the country to be a paper tiger, incapable of defending its territories. Note: This is an old Chinese expression which Chairman Mao applied to the United States in the 1950s.
See also: paper, tiger
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
a paper tiger
an apparently dangerous but actually ineffectual person or thing.This expression became well known in the West from its use by Mao Zedong, the Chinese Communist leader. In an interview in 1946 , he expressed the view that ‘all reactionaries are paper tigers’.
1998 Oldie We fear that the Rail Regulator and the Consultative Committee are paper tigers and a waste of time.
See also: paper, tiger
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
a ˌpaper ˈtiger
a person or thing that is less strong, powerful, dangerous, etc. than they/it appears: He claimed that the enemies of his party were paper tigers and not to be feared.This is a translation of a Chinese expression that became well known when it was used by Mao Zedong.See also: paper, tiger
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- paper tiger
- ransom
- hold (one) to ransom
- hold somebody to ransom
- hold someone or something to ransom
- hold someone to ransom
- make an impression on
- call the dogs off
- not know what to make of
- not know what to make of (someone or something)