‘Speak softly and carry a big stick’ is a proverbial saying advising the tactic of caution and non-aggression, backed up by the ability to carry out violent action if required.

The notion being expressed here is the opposite of the tactics employed by every temporary schoolteacher – who begin stern and tough and, when discipline allows it, become more easy-going. The ‘speak softly…’ doctrine, like the earlier phrase ‘the iron fist in the velvet glove’, was to begin gently, but hold a decisive weapon in reserve.

Speak softly and carry a big stickThe widespread use of ‘speak softly and carry a big stick’ began with American president Theodore Roosevelt. In a letter to Henry L. Sprague, on January 26th 1900, he wrote:

“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”