paper tiger

noun

1. a person, group, nation, or thing that has the appearance of strength or power but is actually weak or ineffectual.

paper tiger

noun

1. a nation, institution, etc, that appears powerful but is in fact weak or insignificant

Word History and Origins

Origin of paper tiger¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Word History and Origins

Origin of paper tiger¹

C20: translation of a Chinese phrase first applied to the US

Example Sentences

“I think it’s a serious paper tiger we’re dealing with here. I don’t think for 60 days they can keep the train on the tracks.”

From Salon

The escalation was designed to show the world that Iran was a "paper tiger", said Fawaz Gerges, professor of International Relations at London School of Economics.

From BBC

We have 11 months to find out if this paper tiger can become a real one.

From Salon

“We were planning to make some gains and take prisoners to exchange them. This army was a paper tiger.”

From Seattle Times

It has shown to the world that Russia is in fact the paper tiger, and that the real challenge to American supremacy is actually China, not Russia.

From Washington Times