狐假虎威
- Literal
- the fox exploits the tiger's might
- Figurative
- to bully others by borrowing someone else's power or authority.
Where does 狐假虎威 come from?
A tiger caught a fox, who told him: “Do not dare eat me: Heaven has appointed me queen of the beasts; devouring me would defy Heaven's will. Walk behind me and watch them all flee.” The tiger followed, and indeed every animal bolted in terror. He failed to see they were fleeing from him, and believed it was from the fox.
Source (出处): 《战国策》
How is 狐假虎威 used? Two examples
- 他不过是经理的司机，却整天狐假虎威，对同事呼来喝去。
He's only the manager's driver, yet all day he throws around borrowed authority, barking orders at his colleagues.
- 别拿我爸的名字狐假虎威了，这里没人吃你这一套。
Stop bullying people by hiding behind my father's name; nobody here buys that act.
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