English Explanatory Dictionary

sabre-rattling

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A flamboyant display of military power as an implied threat that it might be used.
  2. Any threat, such as one company threatening another with a lawsuit.
verb
  1. present participle and gerund of sabre-rattle
adj
  1. Bellicose; threatening military action.

Pronunciation

En-au-sabre-rattling.ogg

Word forms

sabre-rattling sabre-rattlings saber-rattling (mostly US) saber rattling (mostly US) sabre rattling more sabre-rattling most sabre-rattling

Etymology

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

Related words

gunboat diplomacy rattle rattle a saber rattle a sabre rattle one's saber rattle one's sabre rattle the saber rattle the sabre rattling saber sabering saber-rattle saber rattle sabre sabre rattle sabre-rattle sabring
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