the big stick

Meaning

1. the use or threat of force or power

   The authorities used quiet persuasion instead of the big stick.

In the movies · 4

• But they carry a big, damn stick.Avengers: Age of Ultron2015
• Yeah, that's why he carries that big stick around everywhere.American Pie Presents: Band Camp2005
• Ron! That's way too big for a stick!Ron's Gone Wrong2021
• Speak soft, and carry a big stick.North by Northwest1959

From the same entry

• be too big for your boots
• a big cheese
• big deal
• the big enchilada
• a big fish
• a big girl's blouse
• a big noise
• the big picture
• the Big Three, Four
• give a big hand
• have a big mouth
• me and my big mouth