詞條：下馬威
xiamǎwēi
(1)
[warn against insubordination by enforcing strict disciplinary action when one first takes office]︰原來指新官到任時故意向下屬顯示威風
李彪終久是衙門人手段,走到灶下取一根劈柴來,先把李旺打一個下馬威。－－明·凌濛初《二刻拍案驚奇》
(2)
[deal a head-on blow at the first encounter]︰泛指一開始就向對方顯示的威力
取家法過來,待我賞他個下馬威。－－清·李漁《蜃中樓》