expression, noun
papier-mâché tiger toy
A traditional toy tiger made of papier-mâché with a loose, wobbly head that nods or shakes.
縁日で張り子の虎を買ってもらった。
I was bought a papier-mâché tiger at the festival.
Idiomatic expression for someone or something that appears threatening but is actually weak or ineffectual.
彼は口では強そうだが、実際は張り子の虎だ。
He talks tough, but he's actually a paper tiger.