Make an empty show of strength.
Does the above phrase make sense to you?
If you don’t refer to a dictionary, would you understand it?
Thank you.
Laura
and where did you see this…
From a period drama. It’s a literal translation of a Chinese idiom, I suppose.
Common expression. Could have been written such as “pretense of strength.” Similar to “empty show of loyalty” or “empty show of courage.” Making an empty show of strength would be like pretending to be strong when not.
2 Likes
As not even a native English speaker, the expression seems fine and logical to me.
@laura_fairytale, PA? 
reading it again it makes sense, lol, in others words “showing off to have strength” (while the person showing it doesn’t have it)
I think also when you see it with the video it’s pretty understandable…