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idiom

Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick

speek SAWFT-lee and KAIR-ee ah big stik

/spiːk ˈsɔːftliː ænd ˈkæriː ə bɪɡ stɪk/

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Syllable breakdown

speaksoftlyandcarryabigstick

Dictionary meaning

Negotiate diplomatically while maintaining credible threat of force

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