下马威

下馬威

xiàmǎwēi

noun #29,884

Meanings

1 initial show of strength
2 display of severity upon assuming office
3 intimidating first move to establish authority

Characters

to descend; below; down

authority; power; might; prestige

Examples

新任经理一上任就给员工来了个下马威。

Xīn rèn jīnglǐ yī shàngrèn jiù gěi yuángōng lái le gè xiàmǎwēi.

The new manager gave the employees an initial show of strength as soon as he took office.

他以一道严厉的命令作为下马威。

Tā yǐ yī dào yánlì de mìnglìng zuòwéi xiàmǎwēi.

He used a stern order as his first display of authority.

Tips

history

下马威 comes from the practice of officials who, upon dismounting from their horse (下马) when entering their new jurisdiction, would immediately issue a harsh punishment to establish their authority (威). The phrase captures this dramatic first impression of power.

Stroke Order

下 xià

马 mǎ

威 wēi