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.

Lacking a big stick, Republicans were left with loud words to aim at the secretary.

From Washington Times

“To use Theodore Roosevelt’s phrase, Biden’s approach to China can be described as ‘speak softly and carry a big stick,’” said Yuen Yuen Ang, a political scientist at the University of Michigan.

From New York Times

Jonathan Mellis is awaiting trial after police body-camera footage captured him thrusting a big stick at officers on Jan. 6, aiming for the place on their necks between their helmets and body armor.

From Washington Post

Several leaders took "a great big stick" to the previous government on the issue, historian and author Patricia O'Brien says.

From BBC

In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt described his foreign policy as “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

From Los Angeles Times