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"Paper tiger" is a calque of the Chinese phrase zhǐlǎohǔ (simplified Chinese: 纸老虎; traditional Chinese: 紙老虎). The term refers to something or someone that claims or appears to be powerful or threatening but is actually ineffectual and unable to withstand challenge.
14 de abr. de 2024 · The meaning of PAPER TIGER is one that is outwardly powerful or dangerous but inwardly weak or ineffectual. How to use paper tiger in a sentence.
A person who appears to have power but is in reality ineffectual. What's the origin of the phrase 'Paper tiger'? ‘Paper tiger’ is one of several phrases we first heard in Mao’s Little Red Book. This expression became known in the West as a slogan that Mao’s Chinese communist state used against their opponents, particularly the US government.
paper tiger. noun [ C ] disapproving uk / ˌpeɪ.pə ˈtaɪ.ɡə r/ us / ˌpeɪ.pɚ ˈtaɪ.ɡɚ /. Add to word list. Add to word list. something, such as an enemy or foreign country, that seems very strong and dangerous but is really weak and not harmful: The Soviet Union was suddenly revealed as a paper tiger.
A paper tiger is someone who at first glance seems to be in charge but who, on closer examination, is completely powerless. A paper tiger gives the impression of being powerful — perhaps he is a king or a high school principal — but lacks any real power.
18 de may. de 2024 · noun. a nation, institution, etc, that appears powerful but is in fact weak or insignificant. Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers. Word origin. C20: translation of a Chinese phrase first applied to the US. Word Frequency. paper tiger in American English. US.
Grammar Reference. Idioms. Paper tiger meaning. What does the saying 'Paper tiger' mean? Idiom: Paper tiger. Meaning: A paper tiger is a person, country, institution, etc, that looks powerful, but is actually weak. Country: International English | Subject Area: Animals | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Richard Flynn.
