paper tiger
Definitions
Something or someone that appears powerful, strong or threatening but is in reality weak, ineffective, or unable to withstand challenge.
Equivalents
15 more languages
Esperantopapera tigro
Suomipaperitiikeri
Gaeilgetíogar páipéir
ქართულიქაღალდის ვეფხვი
한국어종이호랑이
Bahasa Melayuharimau kertas
Nederlandspapieren tijger
Portuguêstigre de papel
Русскийбумажный тигр
Svenskapapperstiger
ไทยเสือกระดาษ
Tagalogtigreng papel
Examples
“The League of Nations was by this time scarcely even a paper tiger, devoid of credibility since its divisions and pusillanimity had been so clearly laid bare following Mussolini's invasion of Abyssinia in the autumn of 1935.”
“Iran is a paper tiger, a postmodern threat: It has many uses but a third Western war against a Muslim country is a bridge too far.”
“Trump also said Russia’s economy was in big trouble⟳ and described its military as a “paper tiger”.”
CEFR level
B2
Upper Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
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