Which phrase refers to something that appears to be powerful, but is actually unable to withstand challenge?

Lorraine , please don't judge us all by the worst of us. We are trying to wrest control back from those who have sullied us to the world.

Well, I don't think the U.S. is a paper tiger...

George Plimpton was essentially a journalist but the dude participated in various and sundry pursuits including acting as the bad guy in a movie, conducting the NY Philharmonic, stand-up in Las Vegas, circus performer. An erudite as well, he founded The Paris Review. As if this wasn’t enough, played in the NFL in Detroit, resulting in his best seller “Paper Lion.” Don’t compare him to Frank Abagnale, who was essentially a felon.

paper tiger is best is mast