big stick

noun

1. force, especially political or military, used by a government as a means of influence.

big stick

noun

1. informal.
   force or the threat of using force

Word History and Origins

Origin of big stick¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

In a world of people carrying big sticks, humanitarians only have carrots, the author observes.

From Washington Post

Machinists and longshoremen were laborers and had no recourse other than the big stick of the union to advocate for themselves.

From Time

He spent the night on high alert after spotting two mountain lions and a bear, he said, keeping a big stick and some sharp rocks beside him in case an animal came close.

From Washington Post

He holds his left arm at his side and paws with it to set up whacks from the big stick of his right.

From The Daily Beast

But it was an American president who once said, "Talk softly and carry a big stick."

From The Daily Beast

And though she talked softly on those First Lady tours Hillary could also carry a big stick.

From The Daily Beast

I had a big stick with me—about six foot long it was—and did sometimes to beat fuzz with; so I takes the stick by one end.

From Project Gutenberg

But the old crosspatch never says a word when one comes near him to talk; all he does is to come along with his big stick.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a young man, with a big pipe in his mouth, a big stick in his hand, and a big knapsack on his back.

From Project Gutenberg

The big stick leant against the end of the wall, just between us, nearer to my hand than his.

From Project Gutenberg

This little creature belongs to the "Knowitall" class and has no fear, often perching on the "Big Stick" itself.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• acumen
• competence
• guile
• quickness
• savvy
• skill
• sophistication
• subtlety
• tact