Meaning of the word "hares may pull dead lions by the beard" in English

What does "hares may pull dead lions by the beard" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

hares may pull dead lions by the beard

US /hɛrz meɪ pʊl dɛd ˈlaɪənz baɪ ðə bɪrd/
UK /heəz meɪ pʊl dɛd ˈlaɪənz baɪ ðə bɪəd/
"hares may pull dead lions by the beard" picture

Idiom

a proverb meaning that even a weak or cowardly person can insult or mock a powerful person once that person has lost their power or is dead

Example:
Now that the dictator has been overthrown, everyone is criticizing him; truly, hares may pull dead lions by the beard.
He only dared to speak against his former boss after he retired, proving that hares may pull dead lions by the beard.