📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone who shows false or hypocritical attentiveness, putting on a display of warmth and eagerness to please while hiding insincere motives. The imagery evokes putting on a superficially impressive but ultimately fake appearance, like painting a tiger that only looks fierce on the surface. It is used to criticize sycophantic or two-faced behavior.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom does not have a specific documented origin in classical literature and appears to be a folk expression. The metaphor combines '乔' (to disguise or pretend) with the imagery of dragons and tigers—two powerful, awe-inspiring creatures in Chinese culture. By suggesting that someone merely pretends to be a dragon and merely paints a tiger, the phrase conveys the idea of a hollow, superficial display meant to impress or flatter. Over time it came to characterize those who put on a show of devotion or respect without genuine feeling behind it.
💡 Example Usage
他乔龙画虎地讨好上司，同事们早就看穿了他的把戏。
He fawned over his boss with false attentiveness, but his colleagues had long seen through his act.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 乔龙画虎
- Pinyin: qiáo lóng huà hǔ
- Literal Translation: pretend dragon, paint tiger
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4