being treated well out of fear; deferential treatment due to intimidation
Describes a situation where someone is treated with respect or care not because of genuine affection, but because others are afraid of them. Often used for people with a scary appearance or reputation.
He is treated with deference out of fear, so no one can oppose him.
あの先生は強持てで、生徒たちはみんな静かにしている。
That teacher is feared and respected, so all the students stay quiet.
Standard kanji spelling. The character 強 (こわ) means 'fierce' or 'tough', and 持て (もて) is from 持てる, meaning 'to be popular' or 'to be well-liked'.
Alternate spelling using 恐 (こわ) meaning 'fear', emphasizing the intimidating aspect. Less common than 強持て.
From 強い・怖い in the sense “fearsome” and 持て “treatment, reception,” referring to deferential treatment prompted by fear.