“下马威”，原指官吏初到任时对下属显示的威风（severity shown by an official on assuming office），后泛指一开始就向对方显示自己的威力（head-on blow at the first encounter）。
常用表达“给对手一个下马威”，英文可以翻译为“prevail over the opponent from the very first encounter”，或“secure a leading position over the opponent from the very beginning”。
- 新经理一来就来了一个下马威，开除了几个懒散的员工。
As soon as the new manager assumed office, he showed his ruthlessness by firing several slackers. - 教练一开始就给每个球员来了一个下马威。
The coach begins by putting the fear of God in every ballplayer.
