speak softly and carry a big stick

Etymology
Popularized by and often attributed to U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) as an expression of his view of foreign policy, possibly of earlier, West African origin according to his account, but with a probability of he himself having coined it. The full version is “speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”

Proverb

 * 1) Do not boast or utter verbal threats, but do make others aware that you are prepared to use physical force if necessary.
 * 2) * 1903 April 3, Theodore Roosevelt, President Roosevelt's Speech on the Monroe Doctrine," Arizona Journal-Miner, p. 4 (retrieved 19 Dec 2011) :
 * There is a homely old adage which runs: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

Translations

 * Chinese:
 * Mandarin: 溫言在口，大棒在手
 * Greek:
 * Ancient Greek: ὃν οὐ τύπτει λόγος, τύπτει ῥάβδος
 * Latin: post verba verbera