talk softly and carry a big stick

A form of speak softly and carry a big stick — Do not boast or utter verbal threats, but do make others aware that you are prepared to use physical or military force if necessary.

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Meanings

verb
  1. alternativeAlternative form of speak softly and carry a big stick.
Cite this entry
APA

talk softly and carry a big stick. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/talk%20softly%20and%20carry%20a%20big%20stick

MLA

“talk softly and carry a big stick.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/talk%20softly%20and%20carry%20a%20big%20stick. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “talk softly and carry a big stick,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/talk%20softly%20and%20carry%20a%20big%20stick.

Source: talk softly and carry a big stick on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.