The Open Dictionary

sabre-rattling

noun

UK/ˈseɪ.bəˌræt.ᵊl.ɪŋ/
US/ˈseɪ.bɚˌræt̬.ᵊl.ɪŋ/

Definitions of sabre-rattling noun

  1. Uncountable

    The act of making aggressive and threatening statements or military displays.

    • The country's military exercises were seen as sabre-rattling towards its neighbors.

    • With negotiations breaking down, both sides engaged in sabre-rattling.

    • Diplomats condemned the leader's comments as meaningless sabre-rattling.