rattle a sabre

English

Verb

rattle a sabre (third-person singular simple present rattles a sabre, present participle rattling a sabre, simple past and past participle rattled a sabre)

1. Alternative form of sabre-rattle
   • 2011, Gregor Dallas, 1815: The Roads to Waterloo:

     But France's deteriorating domestic situation, coupled with her diplomatic isolation, could lead the most pacific minded Frenchmen to rattle a sabre.

   • 2012, Barbara Cleverly, The Damascened Blade:

     And when it comes to a gunboat, you've got some very good people here. It's not up to you to declare war on Afghanistan of course but get permission to rattle a sabre!'

   • 2016, Kyle C. Fitzharris, Skip Shot: A Novel:

     She was a feminist, in her own way, but didn't rattle a sabre or shove her beliefs down anyone's throat.

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see rattle,‎ sabre.

Anagrams

• rattle a saber