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.
In his speech, Hegseth emphasised the US's "strong, quiet and clear" approach to the region - its capacity to wield a "big stick" but "speak softly".
From BBC • May 30, 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
Despite the big stick, keeping the quiet has never been easy.
From Salon • Oct. 9, 2021
A big stick was on the ground next to Frank.
From "The Missing Mitt (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #2)" by Franklin W. Dixon
