wài​qiáng​zhōng​gān

strong in appearance but weak in reality

Senses

外强中干/ 外強中乾 wài​qiáng​zhōng​gān strong in appearance but weak in reality

strong in appearance but weak in reality; appearing powerful but actually empty or hollow inside

References

variant 外强中干/外強中乾 外彊中乾/外彊中乾
synonym 外强中干/外強中乾 色厉内荏/色厲內荏
synonym 外强中干/外強中乾 虚有其表/虛有其表