big stick
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
President Theodore Roosevelt famously said “speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
From Salon • Jan. 11, 2026
“We don’t go in with the big stick to begin with,” Morling said.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 15, 2024
In his first spell, Gatland did not so much wave a magic wand but a very big stick to solve the issues of the day.
From BBC • Feb. 3, 2023
“I had a big stick, and I was banging on the box, really whaling on it. So he wasn’t just plopped on his feet. Because I wanted him to be alighting down to the ground.”
From New York Times • Jan. 26, 2022
"A man doesn't have a worry in the world, while I've got a baby hanging over my head like a big stick, to keep me in line."
From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath
