Paper tiger Meaning in English
expression
التعريف
A "paper tiger" is someone or something that seems powerful or threatening but is actually weak and unable to act on its threats.
الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة
Used mainly in political or business discussions. Often describes governments, organizations, or threats that look scary but are not real dangers. It’s a metaphor and not very formal, but common in journalism and conversation.
جمل نموذجية
Many people thought the army was strong, but it was just a paper tiger.
basic
The new rule sounds strict, but it's a paper tiger.
basic
Everyone feared the boss, but he turned out to be a paper tiger.
basic
That company looks huge, but it’s a paper tiger—they don’t really have many clients.
natural
Don’t be scared by their threats—they’re just a paper tiger.
natural
We called their bluff and realized it was just a paper tiger all along.
natural