鬼き面めん人ひとを威おどす

expression, godan verb (-su)

to threaten by outward appearance; to bluff; to make empty threats

Proverbial expression meaning to intimidate someone with a fierce look or bluster, without real substance. Often used when someone's scary exterior hides a lack of real power.

See also: 鬼面人を驚かす

• 彼かれはいつも怒ど鳴なっているが、結けっ局きょくは鬼き面めん人ひとを威おどすだけだ。

  He's always yelling, but in the end he's just making empty threats.

• あの政せい治じ家かの強つよ気きな発はつ言げんは、鬼き面めん人ひとを威おどすに過すぎない。

  That politician's tough talk is nothing more than bluffing.