威いありて猛たけからず

expression

dignified without being overbearing; gentle yet commanding respect

A set phrase describing a person who possesses authority and dignity but remains warm and approachable, not intimidating. Often used in descriptions of ideal leadership or character. The expression has a classical, literary flavor.

See also: 威あって猛からず (いあってたけからず)

• 彼かれは威いありて猛たけからずという言こと葉ばがぴったりの人じん物ぶつだ。

  He is exactly the kind of person described by the phrase 'dignified without being overbearing.'

• あの先せん生せいは威いありて猛たけからず、生せい徒とたちから慕したわれている。

  That teacher is dignified yet gentle, and is adored by the students.