“Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 14, 2024 by Liam Daniel

During the conversation, you may have come across the term walk softly and carry a big stick, but what exactly is this term in reference to? We are going to examine the meaning of the phrase as well as looking at some examples to show how it can be used. We will also delve into the history of the term to find out where it first came from.

“Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “walk softly and carry a big stick” means to approach situations with a gentle demeanor while being prepared to use strong measures or assertive actions if necessary. It suggests the idea of diplomacy or subtlety in communication and behavior, combined with the readiness to assert power or authority when required.

Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick

“Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick” Meaning

The phrase “walk softly and carry a big stick” means to approach situations with a calm and gentle demeanor while also being prepared to assert strength or take decisive action when necessary. It emphasizes the idea of maintaining a peaceful and diplomatic approach while having the ability to enforce one’s position or defend oneself if needed.

Examples:

  • “In negotiations, it’s important to walk softly and carry a big stick; showing you mean business can lead to better outcomes.”
  • “He has a gentle manner with his team, but he knows when to walk softly and carry a big stick to get results.”

Origin of This English Idiom

This phrase is attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, who used it to describe his foreign policy approach. Roosevelt believed in negotiating peacefully but also maintaining a strong military presence as a form of deterrence.

Usage of “Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick”

  • In a discussion about leadership:

“As a leader, he believes in the approach of ‘walk softly and carry a big stick,’ promoting teamwork while maintaining authority.”

  • During a conversation about negotiation strategies:

“In business negotiations, it’s essential to walk softly and carry a big stick; being friendly can lead to better outcomes, but you need to show strength when necessary.”

  • In a political context:

“The ambassador’s strategy was to walk softly and carry a big stick, engaging in dialogue while ensuring that military options were always available.”

  • In personal relationships:

“She tends to walk softly and carry a big stick, resolving conflicts calmly but not hesitating to stand her ground when it matters.”

Related Terms to “Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick”

  • Speak softly, carry a big stick – a variation that emphasizes communication style along with strength.
  • Diplomacy with strength – the approach of using negotiation while being prepared to enforce power.
  • Peace through strength – a phrase suggesting that a strong defense can maintain peace.
  • Strength in reserve – the idea of having power or resources available without needing to display them openly.
  • Firm but fair – a phrase describing a balanced approach that combines kindness with assertiveness.
  • Soft power – the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.
  • Hard power – the use of force or coercive measures to influence others.
  • Balanced approach – a strategy that incorporates multiple perspectives or methods, such as diplomacy and assertiveness.
  • Strategic patience – the practice of waiting for the right moment to act, while maintaining readiness.
  • Gentle strength – the combination of being kind and compassionate while also being strong and decisive.

Other Ways to Say the Idiom

If you are looking for another way to express the meaning of the term walk softly and carry a big stick, you might consider saying one of the following things.

  • Talk softly and carry a big stick.
  • Speak softly and carry a big stick.

“Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick” Examples

Examples in Sentences

You will hear the term walk softly and carry a big stick on various occasions within a sentence, we are now going to look at some examples of what you are likely to hear.

The first is a statement being made by a father to his son.

  • I know that you are annoyed at your friend, but don’t lash out just walk softly and carry a big stick.

This next example sentence is being said by one friend to another.

  • You need to tackle this in the correct way and not become aggressive, my advice is to walk softly and carry a big stick.

Conversation Examples

Walk softly and carry a big stick is an American term which you are likely to see in many conversations, but how might it work? We are now going to take a look at some examples of conversations in which the phrase might be seen.

The first conversation is one between two people in the workplace.

  • Person 1: “I am getting so worked up with people fighting in the workplace.”
  • Person 2: “Yes, but there is no use in becoming aggressive over it.”
  • Person 1: “But I may have to become aggressive and physically remove them from the premises.”
  • Person 2: “In that case, just walk softly and carry a big stick.”

The next example of conversation is taking place between two soldiers.

  • Person 1: “We are going into the town to show that we are there to protect but also to stop any trouble.”
  • Person 2: “So, how should we act?”
  • Person 1: “Just walk softly and carry a big stick.”
Latest posts by Liam Daniel (see all)