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sabre-rattling

noun [U] UK disapproving (US saber-rattling)
 
 
/ˈseɪ.bəˌræt.l̩.ɪŋ/ US  /-bɚˌræt̬-/

Definition

talking and behaving in a way that threatens military actionViolent or aggressiveUnkind, cruel and unfeelingTreating people or animals badly
(Definition of sabre-rattling noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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