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.
"There has to be a big stick and a big carrot here," he argues.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
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
“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
Before I can think too much about what I’m doing, I’ve got the big stick in one hand and my phone in the other, and I’m trying to turn on the little flashlight.
From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone
