sabre-rattling

noun

1. informal.
   seeking to intimidate by an aggressive display of military power

Example Sentences

Since the start of the conflict nearly three years ago, Putin has repeatedly laid out nuclear "red lines’" which the West has repeatedly crossed. It seems many have become used to Russia’s nuclear “sabre-rattling”.

From BBC

Western leaders generally dismissed what they saw as nuclear sabre-rattling.

From BBC

Putin has threatened the use of nuclear weapons before, and Ukraine has criticised it as "nuclear sabre-rattling" to deter its allies from providing further support.

From BBC

Trump said he got to know North Korean leader Kim Jong-un “very well” despite some nuclear sabre-rattling between the two initially when Trump said he told him: “Little Rocket Man, you’re going to burn in hell.”

From BBC

Ukraine has criticised it as "nuclear sabre-rattling" to deter its allies from providing further support.

From BBC