外がい剛ごう内ない柔じゅう

noun

tough outside, soft inside; faint-hearted person acting brave

Describes a person who appears strong or brave outwardly but is actually gentle or timid. Often used to characterize someone who puts on a brave front.

• 彼かれは外がい剛ごう内ない柔じゅうで、強つよがっているけど本ほん当とうは優やさしい。

  He is tough on the outside but soft at heart; he acts tough but is actually kind.

• 外がい剛ごう内ない柔じゅうな人ひとほど、内ない面めんの弱よわさを隠かくそうとする。

  The more a person is faint-hearted pretending to be brave, the more they try to hide their inner weakness.