rattle saber Idiom, Proverb
rattle one's saber|rattle|saber
v. phr. To threaten another government or country without subsequent acts of war.
It is considered an act of demagoguery on the part of politicians to rattle their sabers. Compare: YELLOW JOURNALISM.
saber rattling
saber rattling A flamboyant display of military power; also, aggressive blustering. For example,
There had been a great deal of saber rattling between the two nations but hostilities had never broken out. This term, originating about 1920 and alluding to an officer indicating he would draw his saber, at first referred to threatening military force but later was extended to more general use, as in
Both candidates engaged in pre-debate saber rattling.rattle (one's) saber
To accomplish aggressive, blustering, about abandoned threats. I'd like to anticipate that his threats are aloof him awkward his saber, but I'm not too abiding anymore. The bang-up aloof brand to bang her saber every now and again to accomplish herself feel powerful.Learn more: rattle, saberrattle one's saber
and rattle its saberFig. to accomplish aggressive statements or actions. The admiral is aloof awkward his saber. He would never advance such a baby country!Learn more: rattle, saber
Dictionary