sabre-rattling
Aggressive war threats
Sabre-rattling is a display of military power or aggressive posturing intended to intimidate an adversary rather than to actually initiate conflict.
The image is of a soldier shaking a sword in its scabbard to make noise without drawing the weapon.
Politicians and commentators use the term disparagingly to suggest that threats are mostly bluster: The president's sabre-rattling hasn't impressed anyone.
The spelling sabre-rattling is British; Americans write saber-rattling.
Loud, empty boasting
- grandstandingPerforming to impress onlookers
- chest-thumpingShowy, aggressive boasting
- swaggerConfident, boastful manner
- bravadoPretense of fearlessness
bombast · showmanship · theatrics · bellicosity · flag-waving · jingoism · hawkishness · belligerence
Pressured compliance through threats
- menaceSource of potential harm
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
- fearmongeringDeliberately spreading exaggerated threats
- strong-armCoerce through intimidation
pressure · deterrence · scaremongering · power-play · dominance · compulsion · terrorizing · harassment
Collective military weapons
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- maneuversPlanned strategic movements
- drillsRepetitive training routines
- exercisesActivities for fitness
troops · missiles · warships · mobilization · fly-over · rearmament · fortification · artillery
Progressive increase in intensity
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- provocationAct that triggers response
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
tension · stalemate · deadlock · showdown · high-stakes · gamble · zero-sum · precipice
Punitive international restrictions
- embargoOfficial prohibition on trade
- ultimatumNon-negotiable final terms
- statecraftArt of government
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
negotiation · treaty · détente · bilateral · envoy · mediation · dialogue · conciliation
bluster
Loud, empty boasting
- grandstandingPerforming to impress onlookers
- chest-thumpingShowy, aggressive boasting
- swaggerConfident, boastful manner
bravado · bombast · showmanship · theatrics · bellicosity · flag-waving · jingoism · hawkishness · belligerence · rhetoric
coercion
Pressured compliance through threats
- menaceSource of potential harm
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
- fearmongeringDeliberately spreading exaggerated threats
strong-arm · pressure · deterrence · scaremongering · power-play · dominance · compulsion · terrorizing · harassment · blackmail
armament
Collective military weapons
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
- maneuversPlanned strategic movements
- drillsRepetitive training routines
exercises · troops · missiles · warships · mobilization · fly-over · rearmament · fortification · artillery
escalation
Progressive increase in intensity
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- provocationAct that triggers response
crisis · tension · stalemate · deadlock · showdown · high-stakes · gamble · zero-sum · precipice · flashpoint
sanctions
Punitive international restrictions
- embargoOfficial prohibition on trade
- ultimatumNon-negotiable final terms
- statecraftArt of government
summit · negotiation · treaty · détente · bilateral · envoy · mediation · dialogue · conciliation · accord
sabre-rattlingdiplomacy
Negotiation between nations
peacemaking · conciliation · olive branch · détente · rapprochement
sabre-rattlingpacifism
Antiwar moral stance
non-aggression · disarmament · de-escalation · demilitarization · arms reduction
sabre-rattlingmilitary action
Armed force by state
shooting war · armed conflict · invasion · war · combat
rattle, rattled, rattling, rattles, saber, rattler, sabre, rattlers, sabres