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

Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far. A proverb advising the tactic of caution and non-aggression, backed up by the ability to do violence if required.

The widespread use of this proverb began with American president Theodore Roosevelt. In a speech in Chicago in April 1903, he said "Speak softly and carry and big stick; you will go far. If the American nation will speak softly, and yet build and keep at a pitch of the highest training a thoroughly efficient navy, the Munroe Doctrine will go far."

It could also means to threaten gently instead of yelling what you are going to do, and have the ammo to back it up.