paper tiger

Frequency: 5.52.5 per million words

figurative: something that seems powerful or dangerous but is not really.

tigerADJECTIVE + NOUN

Categories:

paper

Examples (10)

  • They view America as a paper tiger.
  • The dictator's threats proved to be nothing more than a paper tiger when challenged.
  • Without genuine support, the new policy quickly became a paper tiger.
  • Many critics dismissed the proposed reforms as a paper tiger, lacking real impact.
  • Don't be intimidated by their bluster; they are often just a paper tiger.
  • The formidable-looking security system was, in practice, a paper tiger.
  • Historically, some empires that seemed invincible eventually revealed themselves as paper tigers.
  • The company's tough stance on competition was exposed as a paper tiger during the market downturn.
  • She realized her fear of the complex project was a paper tiger once she started working on it.
  • The supposed environmental threat turned out to be a paper tiger, largely exaggerated by special interest groups.