下马威
Traditional form:
下馬威
Pinyin (reading):
xiàmǎwēi
Definitions:
- display of severity immediately on taking office
- (fig.) initial show of strength
Characters:
- 下 - below, underneath; inferior; to bring down; next
- 马 - horse; surname
- 威 - might, power, prestige; to dominate
Traditional characters: