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
It is quite common these days to hear those who specialise in Taiwan studies quoting the old maxim from President Theodore Roosevelt to "speak softly and carry a big stick".
From BBC • Feb. 21, 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
The Honda was bumping its way up a hill, and the limbs looked like long fingers on big stick hands trying to get in and grab him.
From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds
