Sabre Rattling (Noun)
Meaning
The ostentatious display of military power (with the implied threat that it might be used).
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The naval parade was seen as sabre rattling by the neighbouring countries, who felt threatened by the display of military might.
- The president's announcement of an increase in defence spending was interpreted as sabre rattling by opposition parties, who claimed it was a distraction from domestic issues.
- The deployment of troops to the border was dismissed as sabre rattling by analysts, who believed it was a negotiating tactic rather than a genuine threat.
- The government's decision to conduct missile tests in the disputed territory was viewed as sabre rattling by human rights groups, who feared it would escalate tensions.
- The military drills, code-named "Operation Thunderbolt," were widely seen as sabre rattling, and served only to heighten tensions in the already volatile region.