Definition

1. Noun:
   • A display of force or power, especially as a threat or deterrent: The phrase "big stick" refers to the strategy of demonstrating military strength or political power to influence others or achieve goals without necessarily using that force directly. It is most famously associated with the foreign policy approach of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.

Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in the context of diplomacy, politics, or negotiation to describe a policy of power-backed persuasion.
• It is most commonly encountered in the complete idiom "speak softly and carry a big stick", which advises combining polite, peaceful negotiation ("speak softly") with the readiness to use force ("carry a big stick").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The country's foreign policy relies on the principle of the big stick, maintaining a powerful navy to secure its interests.
  • In the negotiations, their big stick was the threat of economic sanctions.
  • The full quote is: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

Advanced Usage

• "to carry/wield a big stick": To possess and be willing to use power or force.
  • The regulator carries a big stick, with the authority to impose massive fines.
• "big stick diplomacy": A specific term for the foreign policy associated with Theodore Roosevelt, which emphasized military preparedness to support diplomatic aims.
  • The era of big stick diplomacy shaped America's role in the Caribbean.

Variants and Related Words

• Big Stick Diplomacy (n): The specific policy of the Roosevelt administration.
• Big Stick Approach/Policy (n): A general strategy of backing negotiations with the threat of force.

Synonyms

• Coercion: The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.
• Deterrent: A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from some act.
• Muscle: (Informal) Power or influence, especially when used to intimidate.

Related Phrases

• "Speak softly and carry a big stick" (Idiom): The complete proverb advocating diplomacy backed by strength.
  • His leadership style is to speak softly and carry a big stick, always negotiating first but prepared to act decisively.

Notes

• The term originates from a West African proverb and was popularized by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt in a 1901 speech. It is a metaphor where the "big stick" represents military or economic power.

Noun

1. a display of force or power
   • speak softly but carry a big stick