saber rattling

1. A flamboyant display of military power.

2. A threat or implied threat to use military force.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

saber rattling - the ostentatious display of military power (with the implied threat that it might be used)

sabre rattling

military action, action - a military engagement; "he saw action in Korea"

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References in periodicals archive

But I want to be clear about what our priority is: protecting our community is more important than maximizing our profits." Of course, that may be a small price to pay relative to their profits and a potential existential crisis, but FB shares are still up about 2% for now, after their 20% skid from highs earlier this year that compounded Wall Street volatility in addition to saber rattling on trade.

A couple of key excerpts from Zuckerberg's testimony

It is clear that Moon's Olympic diplomacy has pre-empted Kim Jong-un by forcing him to give up his counterproductive nuclear saber rattling. Only few months ago, Kim was threatening the United States and its allies with nuclear annihilation.

Moon's Olympic diplomacy resembles Kohl's Realpolitik

North Korea's saber rattling is one of the top security concerns discussed at the 31st Asean Summit that was also attended by Abe, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump.

Abe reiterates call on leaders to 'enhance pressure' on N. Korea to stop nuclear tests

SABER RATTLING Mirror man Mo and Darth Vader get fancy dress message out

The fourth is strong in this marathon man

"Rather than coming to grips with the reasons for this country's fall from grace, the government's principal reaction has been saber rattling."

30 years ago in reason

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