狐假虎威
hú jiǎ hǔ wēiTo use someone else's power or authority to intimidate others, often implying that the person is taking advantage of a stronger party's influence to assert dominance.
他狐假虎威，仗着老板的权势欺负同事。
He used his boss's authority to bully his colleagues.
不要狐假虎威，自己没有本事还倚仗别人。
Don't rely on others' power; you should have your own abilities.
This idiom originates from a fable where a fox uses a tiger's might to scare other animals. It highlights the behavior of someone who leverages another's strength to gain advantage.
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💡Pro Tip
Usage Tip
This idiom is often used in a negative context to describe someone who is taking advantage of another's power. Avoid using it in positive or neutral situations.
⚡Gold Rule
Key Rule
The idiom emphasizes the misuse of borrowed power rather than one's own strength.
📖Word Origin
From the fable 'The Fox Borrows the Tiger's Might' (《狐假虎威》), where a fox tricks other animals by pretending to have the tiger's support.
📝Usage Notes
This idiom is often used to criticize someone who abuses power or influence that isn't their own. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in literary or analytical discussions.