- Meaning
- This idiom suggests that someone’s threats, criticism, or aggressive demeanor are more intimidating than their actual actions. It implies that the person is less dangerous or harmful than they appear, often used to reassure others not to fear bluster or posturing.
- Origin
- The phrase likely derives from the behavior of dogs, whose loud barking can seem threatening but doesn’t always lead to biting. It appeared in English by the 17th century, with a 1670 version in John Ray’s *English Proverbs*: ‘His bark is worse than his bite.’ The proverb reflects rural observations of animals and human nature, gaining traction in the 19th century through literature, including Charles Dickens’ *David Copperfield* (1850), where it describes a gruff but kind character.
- Variants
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- Their bark is worse than their bite
- Bark worse than their bite
- Examples
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- Don’t worry about his yelling; his bark is worse than his bite, and he’s harmless.
- The coach’s bark is worse than her bite—she shouts a lot but always supports the team.
- Their bark is worse than their bite; the critics complain loudly but rarely act.
- He seems tough, but his bark is worse than his bite—he’s a softie at heart.
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