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speak softly and carry a big stick. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
speak softly and carry a big stick, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
speak softly and carry a big stick in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Alternative forms
Etymology
Often attributed to U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) as an expression of his view of foreign policy, possibly of earlier origin according to his account, but with a probability of he himself having coined it.
Proverb
speak softly and carry a big stick
- Do not boast or utter verbal threats, but do make others aware that you are prepared to use physical force if necessary.
- 1903 April 3, Theodore Roosevelt, President Roosevelt's Speech on the Monroe Doctrine," Arizona Journal-Miner, p. 4 (retrieved 19 Dec 2011):
- There is a homely old adage which runs: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."
1917, Thorstein Veblen, The Nature of Peace, Introductory:Under any governmental auspices, as the modern world knows governments, the keeping of the peace comes at its best under the precept, "Speak softly and carry a big stick."
Translations
do not boast but do make others aware that you are prepared to use force
See also
References