sik1 lai6 noi6 jam5色厲內荏色厉内荏

Jyutpingsik1 lai6 noi6 jam5

Yalesīk laih noih yáhm

形容詞

Definition

Fierce on the outside but cowardly on the inside; a tough exterior masking inner weakness.

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How it's used

This idiom describes someone who projects an intimidating or aggressive exterior to mask their underlying insecurity or cowardice. It is frequently used to expose people who rely on posturing or bluffing to maintain authority. Unlike simple descriptions of being scared, this term specifically highlights the contradiction between the outward display and the internal reality.

Examples

keoi5佢ping4平si4時hou2好ci5似hou2好wu3惡gam3咁，kei4其sat6實sik1色lai6厲noi6內jam5荏㗎zaa3咋。

He seems fierce usually, but he is actually just a paper tiger.

nei5你m4唔hou2好bei2俾keoi5佢haak3嚇can1親，keoi5佢zi2只hai6係sik1色lai6厲noi6內jam5荏ze1啫。

Don't be scared by him, he is just putting on a tough front.

Common phrases

biu2表jin6現dak1得sik1色lai6厲noi6內jam5荏

to appear tough but be timid inside

jyun4完cyun4全hai6係sik1色lai6厲noi6內jam5荏

completely just a paper tiger

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a general description of someone who is simply mean or angry. It is essential that the context implies the person is actually weak or fearful inside, otherwise the term loses its specific meaning of hypocrisy or bluffing.