| 释义 |
speak softly and carry a big stick speak softly and carry a big stickAttempt peaceful negotiations while also being prepared for confrontation by displaying one's power, especially elements of force. The phrase was popularized by US President Theodore Roosevelt in a 1903 speech. Because that group is violent and unpredictable, I think you need to speak softly and carry a big stick when you deal with them.See also: and, big, carry, softly, speak, stickspeak softly and carry a big stickBack up what you say with a show of strength. This term is a quotation from a speech by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 2, 1901, in which he said the country must keep on training a highly efficient navy in order to back up the Monroe Doctrine. It was often repeated and is by no means obsolete. Opera singer Renée Fleming referred to it in The Inner Voice (2004, describing her manager: “He is thoughtful, has enormous integrity, is highly respected, and speaks softly but carries . . . well, you know.”See also: and, big, carry, softly, speak, stick |