fierce appearance, timid heart; all bark and no bite
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
fierce appearance but cowardly heart; outwardly tough but inwardly weak; all bark and no bite
formalA derogatory idiom describing someone who appears fierce or intimidating but is actually timid and weak inside. Often used to describe bullies who back down when challenged, or organizations that appear powerful but lack real substance.
Tā他
kàn看
qǐ起
lái来
xiōng凶
bā巴
bā巴
de的
，
qí其
shí实
sè色
lì厉
nèi内
rěn荏
，
nǐ你
gēn根
běn本
bù不
yòng用
pà怕
tā他
。
He looks fierce, but actually he's all bark and no bite; you don't need to be afraid of him at all.
Zhè这
gè个
tuán团
huǒ伙
sè色
lì厉
nèi内
rěn荏
，
yī一
jiàn见
jǐng警
chá察
jiù就
táo逃
pǎo跑
le了
。
This gang is fierce in appearance but timid at heart; they ran away as soon as they saw the police.
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Bié别
bèi被
tā他
de的
qì气
shì势
xià吓
dǎo倒
，
nà那
bù不
guò过
shì是
sè色
lì厉
nèi内
rěn荏
bà罢
le了
。
Don't be intimidated by his imposing manner; it's nothing but bluster.