It is too early to say whether the threats are mere sabre-rattling.
...sabre-rattling by the military.
English dictionary. 2008.
sabre-rattling — sabre .rattling n [U] when someone threatens to use force but you do not think they are very frightening or serious ▪ What the situation calls for is calm discussion not sabre rattling … Dictionary of contemporary English
sabre-rattling — When people, states, etc, threaten to use force as a way of getting what they want, especially when they are unlikely to use force, they are sabre rattling … The small dictionary of idiomes
sabre-rattling — saˈbre rattling noun An aggressive display of military power, military bluster intended to intimidate (also adjective) • • • Main Entry: ↑sabre * * * sabre rattling UK US noun [uncountable] a threat of violence or military action Thesaurus:… … Useful english dictionary
sabre-rattling — British, American & Australian, American threatening behaviour which is intended to frighten someone. After months of sabre rattling, the two sides have agreed to a peaceful resolution of their differences … New idioms dictionary
sabre rattling — noun the ostentatious display of military power (with the implied threat that it might be used) • Syn: ↑saber rattling • Hypernyms: ↑military action, ↑action … Useful english dictionary
sabre-rattling — /ˈseɪbə rætlɪŋ/ (say saybuh ratling) noun the threat of using force by the overt display of military power. –sabre rattler, noun …
sabre-rattling — noun a) A flamboyant display of military power as an implied threat that it might be used. b) Any threat, such as one company threatening another with a lawsuit … Wiktionary
sabre rattling — See rattle sabres … English idioms
sabre-rattling — noun the display or threat of military force … English new terms dictionary
sabre-rattling — noun (U) threats to use military force, especially when you do not think they are very frightening or serious … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
