What does paper tiger mean?

"Paper tiger" is an idiom that describes something that appears strong or threatening but is actually weak or powerless. It is often used in a political context to refer to a country or organization that seems powerful on the surface but is actually vulnerable or ineffective.

The term "paper tiger" is thought to have originated from a Chinese idiom, 纸老虎 (zhǐ lǎo hǔ). The Chinese idiom is believed to have been used as early as the 7th century, during the Tang dynasty. However, it was popularized in the West by former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, who used it to describe the United States in the 1950s.

Here are some examples of how "paper tiger" is used in a sentence:

- "The country's military may look strong on paper, but it is actually a paper tiger that would collapse in a real war."

- "The company's financial statements make it look like a profitable enterprise, but it is actually a paper tiger that is on the verge of bankruptcy."

- "The politician may come across as confident and charismatic, but he is actually a paper tiger who is easily manipulated by others."

The idiom "paper tiger" is a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Just because something looks powerful or threatening doesn't mean that it actually is.