show of strength
Flexing one's muscle
A show of strength is a demonstration of power or capability meant to impress, intimidate, or deter.
Nations stage military exercises as shows of strength.
A union might hold a rally as a show of strength before contract negotiations.
The display need not involve actual confrontation—the point is making clear what one *could* do: The fleet's presence in the strait was a show of strength.
- power grabAttempt to seize control
- flexingContracting muscles voluntarily
- posturingInsincere behavior for effect
- displayPresentation for viewing
- tour de forceExceptional feat of skill
assertion · demonstration · military parade · chest-thumping · parades · intimidation · iron fist · armament · deterrence · nuclear option · troops · ceremonies · mobilization · war games · bravado · saber-rattling · gunboat diplomacy · sovereignty
show of strengthconcealment
Act of hiding something
stealth · low profile · playing possum · secrecy · subterfuge
show of strengthmilitary action
Armed force by state
use of force · armed conflict · hot war · war · attack
show, strength, shows, showed, shown, showing, showy, showier, showiest