big stick

noun

: threat especially of military or political intervention

Examples of big stick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Trump talks loudly and carries a big stick but— Better than Teddy Roosevelt. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2023 Wash it Remove the tie-dye T-shirt with tongs or a big stick. Nicole Harris, Parents, 25 Aug. 2023 Elbridge Colby: Speak softly and carry a big stick. NBC News, 30 June 2023 Joe Clark spoke strongly and carried a big stick. Brooklyn White, Essence, 30 Dec. 2020 See all Example Sentences for big stick 

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of big stick was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near big stick

Cite this Entry

“Big stick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20stick. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!