idiom
sabre-rattling
SAY-ber RAT-ling
ˈseɪbər ˈrætlɪŋListen
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Syllable breakdown
sabrerattling
Dictionary meaning
The display of military power or threats to intimidate without actually starting a conflict.
Examples
- The troop build-up near the border was seen as sabre-rattling rather than a genuine prelude to invasion.
British: sabre-rattling; American: saber-rattling.
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