This idiom suggests that someone’s threats, criticism, or aggressive demeanor are more intimidating than their actual actions. It implies that the person is less dangerous or harmful than they appear, often used to reassure others not to fear bluster or posturing.

The phrase likely derives from the behavior of dogs, whose loud barking can seem threatening but doesn’t always lead to biting.

It appeared in English by the 17th century, with a 1670 version in John Ray’s *English Proverbs*: ‘His bark is worse than his bite.’ The proverb reflects rural observations of animals and human nature, gaining traction in the 19th century through literature, including Charles Dickens’ *David Copperfield* (1850), where it describes a gruff but kind character.