Historical clue formulations

• Something that shouldn't scare you — 2013-03-02
• *One who's an empty threat — 2011-12-12
• Toothless enemy — 2009-02-24
• Its roar is worse than its bite — 2007-08-12
• One feigning courage — 2005-03-01
• It's not as threatening as it looks — 1997-06-10
• One who looks powerful but isn't — 1996-04-22
• Toothless threat — 1994-06-06