Definition & Meaning

strong on the outside but weak inside; appear to be tough outwardly, be timid inwardly

Word usage

sè lì nèi rěn

色 厉 内 荏

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Chinese dictionary
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derogstrong on the outside but weak inside; appear to be tough outwardly, be timid inwardly
- dí rén sè lì nèi rěn
  敌人色厉内荏。
  The enemy appear strong, but inside they are weak.
- tā sè lì nèi rěn
  她色厉内荏。
  Her rudeness is just a front for his shyness.
- dà jiā dōu zhī dào tā shì gè sè lì nèi rěn de dǎn xiǎo guǐ
  大家都知道他是个色厉内荏的胆小鬼。
  Everybody knows that he is an ass in a lion's skin.
synonym
wài qiáng zhōng gān外强中干 wài lì nèi rěn外厉内荏 sè lì dǎn bó色厉胆薄
antonym
wài róu nèi gāng外柔内刚

Word usage

Note
"荏" cannot be pronounced as "rèn".

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