big stick
force, especially political or military, used by a government as a means of influence.
Origin of big stick
1Words Nearby big stick
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use big stick in a sentence
In a world of people carrying big sticks, humanitarians only have carrots, the author observes.
When war breaks out, doctors and nurses often become casualties | Michael Roth | October 29, 2021 | Washington PostMachinists and longshoremen were laborers and had no recourse other than the big stick of the union to advocate for themselves.
Companies Are Embracing Empathy to Keep Employees Happy. It’s Not That Easy | Anne Helen Petersen | July 22, 2021 | TimeHe spent the night on high alert after spotting two mountain lions and a bear, he said, keeping a big stick and some sharp rocks beside him in case an animal came close.
A hiker was lost and desperate. A stranger with an unusual hobby saved him. | Sydney Page | April 22, 2021 | Washington PostHe holds his left arm at his side and paws with it to set up whacks from the big stick of his right.
Vitali Klitschko Contemplates Bowing Out of the Ring and Entering Ukrainian Politics | Gordon Marino | March 26, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTBut it was an American president who once said, "Talk softly and carry a big stick."
And though she talked softly on those First Lady tours Hillary could also carry a big stick.
Will Secretary of State Be Enough for Hillary’s Army? | Tina Brown | November 18, 2008 | THE DAILY BEASTI had a big stick with me—about six foot long it was—and did sometimes to beat fuzz with; so I takes the stick by one end.
The Chequers | James RuncimanBut the old crosspatch never says a word when one comes near him to talk; all he does is to come along with his big stick.
Maezli | Johanna SpyriHe was a young man, with a big pipe in his mouth, a big stick in his hand, and a big knapsack on his back.
Down the Rhine | Oliver OpticThe big stick leant against the end of the wall, just between us, nearer to my hand than his.
Witching Hill | E. W. HornungThis little creature belongs to the "Knowitall" class and has no fear, often perching on the "big stick" itself.
The Foolish Almanak | Anonymous
British Dictionary definitions for big stick
informal force or the threat of using force
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse