2006-12-14 19:28:21 · 7 answers · asked by rip 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
A paper tiger looks like a threat, but really is only made of paper.
2006-12-14 19:32:11 · answer #1 · answered by shadouse 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Paper tiger is a literal English translation of the Chinese phrase zhÇ lÇohÇ, meaning something which seems as threatening as a tiger, but is really harmless. The common usage is synonymous with the adjective toothless, meaning ineffective.
The phrase is an ancient one in Chinese, but sources differ as to when it entered the English vocabulary. Although some sources may claim it dates back as far as 1850, it seems the Chinese phrase was first translated when it was applied to describe the United States. In 1956, Mao Zedong said of the United States:
"In appearance it is very powerful but in reality it is nothing to be afraid of; it is a paper tiger. Outwardly a tiger, it is made of paper, unable to withstand the wind and the rain. I believe the United States is nothing but a paper tiger."
In Mao's view, the term that could be applied to all allegedly "imperialist" nations, particularly the United States and the Soviet Union (following the Sino-Soviet split): Mao argued that they appeared to be superficially powerful but would have a tendency to overextend themselves in the international arena, at which point pressure could be brought upon them by other states to cause their sudden collapse.
2006-12-14 19:34:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's say you're afraid from a very big person
Then you hear from people saying he's nothing
But a paper tiger which means he's not strong as he looks(things don't seem as it look)
U dig it ?
2006-12-14 19:41:14 · answer #3 · answered by massimo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something which seems as threatening as a tiger, but is really harmless.
2006-12-14 19:41:28 · answer #4 · answered by Fifa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only explanation I've ever heard is it means someone or country that acts big but can't back it up.
2006-12-14 19:32:39 · answer #5 · answered by crusinthru 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All bark and no bite! Brilliant! I'm still laughing. . .
2006-12-14 19:37:00 · answer #6 · answered by an_eshva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all bark and no bite.
2006-12-14 19:31:27 · answer #7 · answered by howdigethere 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋