sabre-rattle (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb (often used as a noun in its gerund form as "sabre-rattling").

Phonetic Transcription

/sæbər ˈrætəl/

Meaning and Usage

"Sabre-rattle" refers to the act of displaying military power or making aggressive threats, often used to intimidate opponents without intending to engage in actual conflict. It is often associated with political rhetoric and can be employed in both oral speech and written contexts. However, it is more frequently found in written language due to its specific political connotation. Its frequency of use has increased in contexts discussing international relations or military posturing.

Example Sentences

1. The president's speech was filled with sabre-rattle aimed at deterring foreign aggression.

2. (La intervención del presidente estuvo llena de alarde militar destinado a disuadir la agresión extranjera.)

3. Critics accuse the government of sabre-rattle to distract from domestic issues.

4. (Los críticos acusan al gobierno de hacer alarde militar para distraer de los problemas internos.)

5. During the negotiations, both sides engaged in sabre-rattle to assert their demands.

6. (Durante las negociaciones, ambos lados participaron en alarde militar para afirmar sus demandas.)

Idiomatic Expressions

While "sabre-rattle" itself does not form many idiomatic expressions, it is often found in conjunction with phrases that deal with military posturing and threats.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Expressions

1. The world leaders took to sabre-rattling, hoping to gain leverage in the talks.

2. (Los líderes mundiales comenzaron a hacer alarde militar, esperando ganar ventaja en las negociaciones.)

3. His sabre-rattling only served to heighten tensions instead of easing them.

4. (Su alarde militar solo sirvió para aumentar las tensiones en lugar de aliviarlas.)

5. Sabre-rattling can sometimes lead to unintended confrontations.

6. (El alarde militar a veces puede conducir a confrontaciones no intencionadas.)

7. In a climate of sabre-rattling, diplomacy becomes ever more crucial.

8. (En un clima de alarde militar, la diplomacia se vuelve cada vez más crucial.)

Etymology

The term "sabre-rattle" originates from the imagery of a soldier or military officer rattling the hilt of a sabre as a show of readiness or aggressiveness. The use of "sabre" reflects historical military culture, particularly of cavalry units, where the display of one’s weapon served to intimidate enemies and showcase power.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Military posturing - Aggressive posturing - Threatening behavior - Belligerence

Antonyms: - Peace-making - Diplomacy - Reconciliation - Concession