How to Pronounce "paper tiger"
expression
ˈpeɪpɝ/ /ˈtaɪɡɝ
PAY-per TY-ger
pˈeɪpɐ/ /tˈaɪɡɐ
PAY-puh TY-guh
Definition
A "paper tiger" is someone or something that seems powerful or threatening but is actually weak and unable to act on its threats.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpeɪpɝ/ /ˈtaɪɡɝ
British English
pˈeɪpɐ/ /tˈaɪɡɐ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PAY-per TY-ger
UK
PAY-puh TY-guh
Listen in Context
Many people thought the army was strong, but it was just a paper tiger.
The new rule sounds strict, but it's a paper tiger.
Everyone feared the boss, but he turned out to be a paper tiger.
That company looks huge, but it’s a paper tiger—they don’t really have many clients.