big stick

/bɪg stɪk/
IPA guide

Other forms: big sticks

Definitions of big stick
  1. noun
    a display of force or power
    “speak softly but carry a big stick”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    display, show
    something intended to communicate a particular impression
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘big stick'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family