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

“Sometimes it seems to say: ‘Well if you don’t like these carrots, we’ve got a big stick as well,” he said.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2023

In his first spell, Gatland did not so much wave a magic wand but a very big stick to solve the issues of the day.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2023

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