By rattling one's saber at the summit, the minister aimed to gain leverage without resorting to actual force.

In times of crisis, one rattles one's saber to appear decisive even when action is uncertain.

During the crisis, one rattled one's saber in an attempt to deter foreign intervention.

We need to rattle one's hocks if we want to catch the last train.

It's unprofessional to throw one's rattle out of the pram when a project hits a snag.

In her parenting seminar, she warned parents not to 'throw one's rattle out of the cot', and urged them to stay calm when a child is upset.