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

He said Russia was a “paper tiger” and that it had bragged about winning the war in a week, but was still in Ukraine three and a half years later.

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The US president also described Russia as a "paper tiger" that had been "fighting aimlessly in Ukraine."

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For starters, his description of Russia as a "paper tiger" that had been "fighting aimlessly" in Ukraine.

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His dismissal of Russia as a "paper tiger" and not a "real military power" will hurt President Putin, who is sensitive to any suggestion his country is not a global player.

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The wider political picture looks markedly different this time round though, and most pollsters agree that the 2025 version of Reform is no paper tiger.

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