虚张声势
虚张声势 (xū zhāng shēng shì) literally means “empty show of strength” and expresses “bluffing with fake display”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Bluffing with fake display
Pronunciation: xū zhāng shēng shì
Literal meaning: Empty show of strength
Origin & Usage
This deceptive idiom describes creating false (虚) displays (张) of power (势) through noise (声), originating from Warring States period military strategy. It described tactics where weaker forces would use drums, flags, and troops movements to appear more numerous than reality. The specific pairing of sound and visual elements referenced actual battlefield deception techniques. During the Han Dynasty, it expanded beyond military contexts to describe political and social bluffing. Unlike terms for simple deception, it specifically addresses creating illusions of power through exaggerated displays. Modern usage describes any attempt to appear more powerful, capable, or significant than reality through exaggerated claims or displays, particularly when attempting to influence others through perception management rather than actual capability.
Examples
English: "The small company made grandiose claims about capabilities it couldn't possibly deliver"
Chinese: 这家小公司对它不可能实现的能力做出了宏大的声明
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 虚张声势 mean in English?
虚张声势 (xū zhāng shēng shì) literally translates to “Empty show of strength” and is used to express “Bluffing with fake display”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 虚张声势 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving bluffing with fake display.
What is the pinyin for 虚张声势?
The pinyin pronunciation for 虚张声势 is “xū zhāng shēng shì”.