The big stick

noun

The strong and forceful use of power or action, especially in politics.

The president prefers to use diplomacy, but he's not afraid to use the big stick if necessary.
Visual representation of "the big stick" - The strong and forceful use of power or action, especially in politics

Often appears as...

  • carry the big stick
  • walk softly and carry the big stick

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

noun

The strong and forceful use of power or action, especially in politics.

The president prefers to use diplomacy, but he's not afraid to use the big stick if necessary.
Visual representation of "the big stick" - The strong and forceful use of power or action, especially in politics

Often appears as...

  • carry the big stick
  • walk softly and carry the big stick

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "the big stick"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Political Power

It often refers to a nation's display of military strength or economic pressure on others.

Illustration for Political Power
The UN doesn't shy away from using the big stick in the form of sanctions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implied Threat

Used to hint at power behind diplomacy without displaying it openly.

Illustration for Implied Threat
The prime minister's stance is patient, yet the big stick remains firmly in his grip.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Teddy Roosevelt

The phrase is famously attributed to Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy: 'Speak softly, and carry a big stick.'

Illustration for Teddy Roosevelt
Modern leaders often cite Roosevelt's big stick policy as an influence.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Political Power

It often refers to a nation's display of military strength or economic pressure on others.

Illustration for Political Power
The UN doesn't shy away from using the big stick in the form of sanctions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implied Threat

Used to hint at power behind diplomacy without displaying it openly.

Illustration for Implied Threat
The prime minister's stance is patient, yet the big stick remains firmly in his grip.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Teddy Roosevelt

The phrase is famously attributed to Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy: 'Speak softly, and carry a big stick.'

Illustration for Teddy Roosevelt
Modern leaders often cite Roosevelt's big stick policy as an influence.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Political Power

It often refers to a nation's display of military strength or economic pressure on others.

Illustration for Political Power
The UN doesn't shy away from using the big stick in the form of sanctions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implied Threat

Used to hint at power behind diplomacy without displaying it openly.

Illustration for Implied Threat
The prime minister's stance is patient, yet the big stick remains firmly in his grip.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Teddy Roosevelt

The phrase is famously attributed to Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy: 'Speak softly, and carry a big stick.'

Illustration for Teddy Roosevelt
Modern leaders often cite Roosevelt's big stick policy as an influence.
Visual representation of the word "The big stick"

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