bully the weak and fear the strong
Meanings
1 sense · 5 examplesverb phrase
to bully the weak and fear the strong; to be a bully
neutralThis idiom describes a deeply hypocritical and cowardly character flaw. It implies picking on those who cannot or will not fight back, while groveling before those with power or authority.
He's the type who bullies the weak and fears the strong—very harsh with his subordinates but doesn't dare say a word in front of the boss.
In school bullying incidents, the students who bully others are often the type who pick on the weak and fear the strong.
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The foreign policy of some countries is full of the logic of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.
Bullying the weak and fearing the strong is not the conduct of a true hero.
He should stop bullying the weak and fearing the strong; if he has any guts, he should go challenge that real master.