bonsai army

Meaning

Noun

• A sovereign state's army or military force that is small and could be considered merely "for decoration". A bonsai army is not large enough to fundamentally protect a country.
• A tiny, largely ornamental (military) structure bereft of the capability to effectively carry out its constitutional missions.
• A military that covers the entire spectrum of capabilities but has virtually no external military clout.

Origin

• In reference to the small size and decorative nature of bonsai plants.