Meanings
Calque of Chinese 紙老虎／纸老虎 (zhǐlǎohǔ), a slogan used by Mao Zedong.
How to pronounce "paper tiger":
AU
A seemingly fierce or powerful person, country or organisation without the ability to back up their words; apparently powerful but actually ineffective.
Example Sentences
1
Despite his aggressive demeanor, he was nothing more than a paper tiger.
2
The company tried to intimidate its competitors, but they turned out to be paper tigers.
3
The politician's tough stance on crime was seen as nothing but a paper tiger.
4
They boasted about their military might, but it was all just a paper tiger.
5
The boxer was feared by many, but he turned out to be a paper tiger in the ring.