sabre-rattling
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sabre-rattling — sabre .rattling n [U] when someone threatens to use force but you do not think they are very frightening or serious ▪ What the situation calls for is calm discussion not sabre rattling … Dictionary of contemporary English
sabre-rattling — When people, states, etc, threaten to use force as a way of getting what they want, especially when they are unlikely to use force, they are sabre rattling … The small dictionary of idiomes
sabre-rattling — saˈbre rattling noun An aggressive display of military power, military bluster intended to intimidate (also adjective) • • • Main Entry: ↑sabre * * * sabre rattling UK US noun [uncountable] a threat of violence or military action Thesaurus:… … Useful english dictionary
sabre-rattling — N UNCOUNT If you describe a threat, especially a threat of military action, as sabre rattling, you do not believe that the threat will actually be carried out. It is too early to say whether the threats are mere sabre rattling. ...sabre rattling… … English dictionary
sabre-rattling — British, American & Australian, American threatening behaviour which is intended to frighten someone. After months of sabre rattling, the two sides have agreed to a peaceful resolution of their differences … New idioms dictionary
sabre rattling — noun the ostentatious display of military power (with the implied threat that it might be used) • Syn: ↑saber rattling • Hypernyms: ↑military action, ↑action … Useful english dictionary
sabre-rattling — /ˈseɪbə rætlɪŋ/ (say saybuh ratling) noun the threat of using force by the overt display of military power. –sabre rattler, noun …
sabre rattling — See rattle sabres … English idioms
sabre-rattling — noun the display or threat of military force … English new terms dictionary
sabre-rattling — noun (U) threats to use military force, especially when you do not think they are very frightening or serious … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
