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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.
Paper tiger is a phrase that means a person or thing that seems powerful but is not. It comes from a Chinese idiom and was popularized by Mao Zedong in his Little Red Book. Learn more about its history and usage with examples.
Jan 24, 2021 · The phrase paper tiger denotes a person, country, etc., that appears powerful or threatening but is actually weak or ineffective. This phrase is modelled on Chinese zhǐlǎohǔ , from zhǐ , paper , and lǎohǔ , tiger .
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Feb 11, 2021 · Project Force: Is India a military superpower or a Paper Tiger? After decades of under-investment, India’s military forces have been in decline, but it isn’t all bad news for the country.
Nov 5, 1975 · A British tutor and his Japanese charge are kidnapped by terrorists in a fictional Asian country. Starring David Niven, Toshirô Mifune and Hardy Krüger, directed by Ken Annakin.
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- Action, Adventure, Thriller
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- 1975-11-05
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.
Apr 18, 2024 · Learn the meaning of paper tiger, a noun that describes something that looks strong or threatening but is actually weak or harmless. See how the phrase is used in sentences from recent sources and its origin and history.
