saber-rattling

[ sey-ber-rat-ling ]

noun

1. a show or threat of military power, especially as used by a nation to impose its policies on other countries.

Word History and Origins

Origin of saber-rattling¹

First recorded in 1920–25; saber, rattle ¹, -ing ¹

Idioms and Phrases

A flamboyant display of military power; also, aggressive blustering. For example, There had been a great deal of saber rattling between the two nations but hostilities had never broken out . This term, originating about 1920 and alluding to an officer indicating he would draw his saber, at first referred to threatening military force but later was extended to more general use, as in Both candidates engaged in pre-debate saber rattling .

Example Sentences

Indeed, saber-rattling or not, we should take Ryan seriously.

From The Daily Beast

It also may explain why there was no saber rattling on Syria on Sunday.

From The Daily Beast

“This is saber-rattling à la North Korea,” he said in a television interview.

From The Daily Beast

And Obama has worked to push American foreign policy beyond Carterite apologetics or Bushesque saber-rattling.

From The Daily Beast

Sanctions and saber-rattling alone were never going to do the trick, nor would periodic efforts at one-shot diplomacy.

From The Daily Beast

Burnside seeing us, came up on the porch, his big spurs and saber rattling as he walked.

From Project Gutenberg

He strode up and down the floor, his spurs tinkling and his saber rattling harshly.

From Project Gutenberg