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definitions

saber-rattling

[sey-ber-rat-ling]
noun
  1. a show or threat of military power, especially as used by a nation to impose its policies on other countries.

Origin of saber-rattling

First recorded in 1920–25; see origin at saber, rattle1, -ing1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for saber rattling

demoralization, intimidation, saber-rattling
Idioms and Phrases with saber rattling

saber rattling

A flamboyant display of military power; also, aggressive blustering. For example, There had been a great deal of saber rattling between the two nations but hostilities had never broken out. This term, originating about 1920 and alluding to an officer indicating he would draw his saber, at first referred to threatening military force but later was extended to more general use, as in Both candidates engaged in pre-debate saber rattling.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.