Definition
虚张声势 is a four-character idiom meaning to put up a show of strength or confidence when you actually lack real power — bluffing, blustering, or using bravado to intimidate. It's often used to criticize someone who is all talk and no substance, common in military, business, or everyday situations.
f.e.
to bluff and blusterto make an empty show of strength
Examples
- 虚张声势，。Tā búguò shì xū zhāng shēng shì, qíshí gēnběn méiyǒu shílì.He's just bluffing — actually he has no real strength.
- 虚张声势，。Dírén xū zhāng shēng shì, shìtú xiàhu wǒmen tóuxiáng.The enemy put up a show of strength, trying to scare us into surrendering.
- 虚张声势，。Bié bèi tā de xū zhāng shēng shì piàn le, tā shénme yě zuò bù liǎo.Don't be fooled by his bluster — he can't do anything.
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