saber-rattling

[ sey-ber-rat-ling ]

/ ˈseɪ bərˌræt lɪŋ /

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See synonyms for saber-rattling on Thesaurus.com

noun

a show or threat of military power, especially as used by a nation to impose its policies on other countries.

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Origin of saber-rattling

First recorded in 1920–25; see origin at saber, rattle¹, -ing¹

How to use saber-rattling in a sentence

This was in 1964, and Hawking is now 72, and still rattling the cosmos.
Why Can’t Movies Capture Genius?|Clive Irving|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“At that moment it was new and understandably rattling to him,” Condon says.
Can Condon's Freak Show Win Broadway?|Tim Teeman|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The concrete building from which the sounds emanate shakes from the impact, rattling the colorful houses on the dirt roads nearby.
Rage Against the Ebola Crematorium|Abby Haglage|November 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The serial number was right,” he later said, rattling off, “20314261.
The Last American Soldier Executed for Desertion|Michael Daly|June 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST

In time we will know if this was nothing more than sabre rattling or an all out war for control of the GOP.
The Gettysburg of the GOP Civil War|Dean Obeidallah|February 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A minute ago you were ready to fall before the first sowar who lifted his saber over your head.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
Mrs. Towne has every thing so delicious, Sue was rattling on; such perfumes and such silks and such jewels.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
A hideous yell of applause rose from the multitude, and again he plunged his saber into the carriage.
Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott
More boats and smacks arrive; the rattling of anchors and chain cables is heard in all directions.
Skipper Worse|Alexander Lange Kielland
They have put her in the hood, and the next instant they are rattling away to the Panthéon for supper.
The Real Latin Quarter|F. Berkeley Smith

Other 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.

saber-rattling

Origin of saber-rattling

Words related to saber-rattling

How to use saber-rattling in a sentence

Other Idioms and Phrases with saber-rattling