English Explanatory Dictionary

sabre-rattle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To threaten a big battle or war.

Word forms

sabre-rattle sabre-rattles sabre-rattling sabre-rattled sabre rattle saber-rattle saber rattle rattle the sabre rattle the saber rattle a sabre rattle a saber rattle one's sabre rattle one's saber

Etymology

From the early 20th century, when an officer would threaten to draw his sabre.

Related words

saber rattling saber-rattling sabre rattling sabre-rattling
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