The phrase “打老虎” became a household term in China after 2012, when it became the cornerstone of President Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-corruption campaign. The campaign's full slogan is often stated as “老虎苍蝇一起打” (lǎohǔ cāngying yīqǐ dǎ), which means “hit tigers and flies together.”
This duality is key. The campaign aimed to show that no one, regardless of their rank or connections, was above the law. To an English-speaking audience, this concept is similar to the political slogan “drain the swamp.” Both phrases are vivid, populist metaphors for rooting out entrenched corruption within the government. However, “dǎ lǎohǔ” is more specific in its imagery. While “draining the swamp” suggests cleaning up a corrupt system or environment, “dǎ lǎohǔ” focuses on targeting and taking down specific, powerful individuals—the “kingpins” or “big bosses.” This reflects a cultural emphasis on holding powerful figures accountable as a warning to others.
This term is primarily used in formal and semi-formal contexts, especially when discussing news, politics, and social issues.