sabre-rattling

noun

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

Example Sentences

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

Western leaders ignored what was widely interpreted at the time as nuclear sabre-rattling.

From BBC

Diplomats addressing the press on Thursday said that position had been vindicated by South Africa's acceptance by both sides as a mediator in the conflict, in contrast to sabre-rattling by Western powers.

From Reuters