外强中干 outwardly strong, inwardly weak
Explanation
形容外表强壮，内心空虚。比喻外表强大，而实际上虚弱无力。
Describes something or someone who is outwardly strong but inwardly hollow. A metaphor for outward strength with inner weakness.
Origin Story
春秋时期，秦国攻打晋国。晋惠公看中一匹郑国进贡的骏马，执意要骑着它上战场。大臣庆郑认为这匹马外强中干，不能用于作战。晋惠公不听劝告，结果在战场上，这匹马受惊，陷入泥潭，晋惠公被俘。庆郑的预言不幸言中，也体现了晋惠公的昏庸无能。这个故事告诉我们，不能只看表面现象，要透过现象看本质，要重视内在实力的培养。
During the Spring and Autumn Period, the state of Qin attacked the state of Jin. Duke Hui of Jin favored a fine steed presented by the state of Zheng and insisted on riding it into battle. Minister Qing Zheng warned that this horse was outwardly strong but inwardly weak, unfit for combat. Duke Hui ignored him. On the battlefield, the horse was startled and sank in mud, resulting in the capture of Duke Hui. Qing Zheng's warning proved accurate, highlighting Duke Hui's incompetence. This story shows the importance of looking beyond outward appearances and cultivating inner strength.
Usage
用于形容人或事物外表强势，而实际虚弱的情况。
Used to describe a person or thing that is outwardly strong, but actually weak.
Examples
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他外表强势，但内里却空虚得很，真是外强中干。
ta waibiao qiangshi, dan neili que kongxu hen de, zhen shi waiqiangzhonggan.
He is outwardly strong but inwardly very hollow, a true example of "outwardly strong, inwardly weak".
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这个国家外强中干，看似强大，实则不堪一击。
zhege guojia waiqiangzhonggan, kansi qiangda, shize bukan yiji
This country is outwardly strong but inwardly weak, seemingly powerful but actually vulnerable.