big stick

American  

noun

1. force, especially political or military, used by a government as a means of influence.

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big stick British  

noun

1. informal force or the threat of using force

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Etymology

Origin of big stick

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

President Theodore Roosevelt famously said “speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”

From Salon

What are the pros and cons of a “big stick” approach to diplomacy?

From The Wall Street Journal

This feeling of certainty and Scotland sit as well together as a hornets' nest and a big stick.

From BBC

That is a big stick to beat his players with.

From BBC

“Speak softly, and carry a big stick,” Theodore Roosevelt advised, though he never envisioned a successor would prove capable of obliterating cities half a world away in under half an hour.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acumen
• competence
• guile
• quickness
• savvy
• skill
• sophistication
• subtlety
• tact