下马威 (xiàmǎwēi) Show one’s power to intimidate others at the beginning (Advanced)

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下马威 (xiàmǎwēi) Show one’s power to intimidate others at the  

beginning

 

The character “下 (xià)” means to get down; “马 (mǎ)” means horse and

“威 (wēi)” means power. Oftentimes, this phrase is used when power or

severity is displayed by an official upon taking office.

Example：

第一次参加面试，面试官就给了她一个下马威。

Dì yī cì cānjiā miànshì, miànshìguān jiù gěile tā yí gè xiàmǎwēi.…