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View synonyms for paper tiger

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of paper tiger1

First recorded in 1945–50
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Word History and Origins

Origin of paper tiger1

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

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