耀武扬威

耀武揚威

yàowǔ-yángwēi

idiom #31,285

Meanings

HSK 7-9

他在公司里耀武扬威，得罪了不少人。

Tā zài gōngsī lǐ yàowǔyángwēi, dézuì le bùshǎo rén.

He swaggered around the office and offended quite a few people.

HSK 7-9

仗着有后台，他到处耀武扬威。

Zhàng zhe yǒu hòutái, tā dàochù yàowǔyángwēi.

Relying on his connections, he threw his weight around everywhere.

usage

Always negative - describes arrogant, bullying display of power or strength. Compare 趾高气扬 (strutting pride) for a milder tone.

耀 yào

武 wǔ

扬 yáng

威 wēi