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

Several leaders took "a great big stick" to the previous government on the issue, historian and author Patricia O'Brien says.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2022

Before I can think too much about what I’m doing, I’ve got the big stick in one hand and my phone in the other, and I’m trying to turn on the little flashlight.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone