Idiom: Sabre-Rattling
Meanings
From the early 20th century, when an officer would threaten to draw his sabre.
How to pronounce "sabre-rattling":
AU
A flamboyant display of military power as an implied threat that it might be used.
Any threat, such as one company threatening another with a lawsuit.
present participle and gerund of sabre-rattle
Bellicose; threatening military action.
Example Sentences
1
The countries are engaging in sabre-rattling, but it's unlikely to lead to an actual war.
2
The politician's speech was nothing more than sabre-rattling to rally his supporters.
3
The military parade was seen as an act of sabre-rattling by the neighboring countries.
4
The leader's aggressive statement was perceived as sabre-rattling aimed at intimidating other nations.
5
The government's decision to increase military spending is seen as sabre-rattling by some critics.
