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paper tiger

noun

Definition of paper tiger

  1. :  one that is outwardly powerful or dangerous but inwardly weak or ineffectual

See paper tiger defined for English-language learners

From the M-W Editors

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Examples of paper tiger in a Sentence

  1. The new laws are just paper tigers without any method of enforcement.

First Known Use of paper tiger

1836

PAPER TIGER Defined for English Language Learners

paper tiger

noun

Definition of paper tiger for English Language Learners

  • : someone or something that appears powerful or dangerous but is not

Learn More about paper tiger

  1. See words that rhyme with paper tiger

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paper tiger

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Examples: paper tiger in a Sentence