empty threat; bluff; paper tiger
water-filled bamboo tube which clacks against a stone when emptied (orig. used for keeping birds and wildlife away)
to threaten; to terrify; to frighten
to threaten; to make threats
scarecrow; bird rattle; clapper
to extort (money); to blackmail
scarecrow; bird rattle; clapper
persuasion by tears; using tears to get one's way; sob story