Correct
下马威
/ xiàmǎwēi /
Strokes
Definition
display of severity immediately on taking office/(fig.) initial show of strength
Example
As a Noun
severity shown by an official on assuming office; severity of a newly-appointed official; head-on blow at the first encounter; awesome initial presence
1
Xīn
新
jīnglǐ
经理
yīlái
一来
jiù
就
lái
来
le
了
gè
个
xiàmǎwēi
下马威
,
kāichú
开除
le
了
jǐ
几
ge
个
lǎnsǎn
懒散
de
的
yuángōng
员工
。
As soon as the new manager assumed office, he showed his ruthlessness by firing several slackers.
2
Jiàoliàn
教练
yī
一
kāishǐ
开始
jiù
就
gěi
给
měigè
每个
qiúyuán
球员
lái
来
le
了
yī
一
gè
个
xiàmǎwēi
下马威
。
The coach begins by putting the fear of God in every ballplayer.
3
Gěi
给
duìshǒu
对手
yī
一
gè
个
xiàmǎwēi
下马威
secure a leading position over the opponent from the very beginning; prevail over the opponent from the very first encounter