When the Law shows her teeth, but dares not bite.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Authority displays its power but lacks the will to enforce consequences.
- In plain terms
- Bluffing without backing it up.
- What can you take from it?
- Empty threats reveal weakness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have you seen authority bluff?
- How do you test credibility?
Another view
Sometimes restraint is strategic rather than fearful.
More from Edward Young
There is something in Poetry beyond Prose-reason; there are Mysteries in it not to be explained, but admired.
Permalink to quote #9 The love of praise, howe'er concealed by art, Reigns more or less, and glows in ev'ry heart.
Permalink to quote #11 Their feet through faithless leather met the dirt, And oftener chang'd their principles than shirt.
Permalink to quote #8
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