Word
show of force
Definition
fixed phrase. a display of power or weapons to warn others not to cause trouble. You use this when someone wants to look strong so they do not have to actually fight.
fixed phrase. a demonstration of military or physical strength intended as a warning or a deterrent against opposition. It functions as a symbolic act of power where the threat of violence is used to maintain order or influence negotiations.
Examples
“The police arrived in large numbers as a show of force.”
“The navy sent three warships to the coast as a show of force to prevent the conflict from escalating.”
“The sudden deployment of paratroopers to the border was a calculated show of force designed to intimidate the neighboring regime during the diplomatic summit.”
Examples
simple
“The police arrived in large numbers as a show of force.”
contextual
“The navy sent three warships to the coast as a show of force to prevent the conflict from escalating.”
complex
“The sudden deployment of paratroopers to the border was a calculated show of force designed to intimidate the neighboring regime during the diplomatic summit.”
Usage
usually follows the indefinite article 'a' and is frequently used in political or military contexts.
Teaching tip
contrast this with an 'act of aggression'; a show of force is intended to prevent a fight by proving that winning would be impossible for the opponent.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/show-of-force