show one's power; flex authority
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to show one's power or authority; to flex authority
neutralOften used to describe a person, especially in a position of power (like a boss, official, or leader), demonstrating their might, often in a way that intimidates or asserts control. Can have a slightly negative connotation of being domineering.
Tā他
cóng从
bù不
duì对
bù部
xià下
fā发
wēi威
dòng动
nù怒
。
He never shows his authority or gets angry with his subordinates.
Lǎo老
hǔ虎
yī一
fā发
wēi威
，
bǎi百
shòu兽
dōu都
xià吓
de得
sì四
sàn散
bēn奔
táo逃
。
When the tiger flexes its might, all the other beasts scatter in fear.
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Xīn新
jīng经
lǐ理
yī一
lái来
jiù就
jīng经
cháng常
fā发
wēi威
，
dà大
jiā家
dōu都
yǒu有
diǎn点
pà怕
tā他
。
The new manager often shows his authority since he arrived, and everyone is a bit afraid of him.
Bié别
kàn看
xiǎo小
māo猫
píng平
shí时
wēn温
shùn顺
，
bèi被
rě惹
jí急
le了
yě也
huì会
fā发
wēi威
de的
。
Don't be fooled by the kitten's usual gentleness; if provoked, it will show its ferocity too.