a coined variation of saber
rattling, which means making threatening or offensive displays of military
power often to frighten and especially for the
purpose of forcing one nation's policies on another. A saber is a heavy, one-edged military sword, usually
having a curved blade and a guard for the
hand, especially used by
cavalrymen. The
phrase alludes to the
action of raising one's saber and
shaking it at the
enemy as a threat.