下马威xià mǎ wēia head-on blow at the first encounter; put on airs right at the beginning of one’s office;severity shown by an official on assuming office; start off with a great show of pomp and circumstance; the severity of a newly-appointed official
❍ 座山雕三分钟一句话也没问，他是在施～，这是他在考查所有的人惯有的手法，……(曲波《林海雪原》215)For three full minutes the Eagle said not a word. He used this method to cow whomever he questioned at the start.It was an effective trick.
❍ 今天要不先来个～，往后在这里可就玩不转啦。(石文驹《战地红缨》216)You’ll get nothing out of them except when you deal them a head-on blow at today’s first encounter. 下马威xia ma weiseverity shown by an official on assuming office 下马威severity of a newly-appointed official
给他个～deal him a head-on blow at the first encounter |