色厲內荏 sè lì nèi rěn

tough outside but weak inside; fake bravery

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. lit. show strength while weak inside (idiom); appearing fierce while cowardly at heart
  2. 2. a sheep in wolf's clothing

Characters

Character Meaning
色 sè HSK 2
color; sex; appearance
厲 lì
severe; strict; surname Li
內 nèi
inside; within; inner
荏 rěn
weak; soft; beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens)