speak softly and carry a big stick
/ˌspiːk ˌsɒftli ənd ˌkæri ə ˌbɪɡ ˈstɪk/
negotiate gently but be prepared to use force
speak softly and carry a big stick in a sentence
“His management style: speak softly and carry a big stick.”
Origin of speak softly and carry a big stick
Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy maxim, 1901
Related Words
the shot heard round the world
an event that triggers far-reaching consequences
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a vow of total, unyielding resistance