色厲內荏
simp色厉内荏sik1 lai6 noi6 jam5sik1 lai6 noi6 nam4sè lì nèi rěn
English
- lit. show strength while weak inside (idiom); appearing fierce while cowardly at heart
- a sheep in wolf's clothing
- appear to be tough but to be timid inwardly
粵語 — Cantonese
- 表面強硬，實則好怯，靠嚇。
Examples
為咗掩蓋內心嘅虛怯，佢哋表現得更色厲內荏。
They are just trying to make themselves look tougher in order to cover their fear inside.
Sources: cc-cedict, rime-cantonese, words.hk