Advertisement

Advertisement

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
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of paper tiger1

First recorded in 1945–50
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of paper tiger1

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

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


paper-thinpaper trail