A statement demonstrating that some nouns can not subsist without a modifier. A stick simply can not exist without an essence of gum-ness or match-ness or in this case, carrot-ness, whereas a carrot can exist without an essence of stick-ness.
Bobby: I’m going to bomb my exam today.
Sue: What class is it in?
Bobby: What does it matter?
Sue: Well Bobby, every stick needs a carrot.
Sue: What class is it in?
Bobby: What does it matter?
Sue: Well Bobby, every stick needs a carrot.
by Taloosa April 23, 2008
Get the Every stick needs a carrot mug.A way to describe enticement or promised rewards without satisfaction as a way to get to some useful point or solution.
Derived from the use of a carrot on string supported by a stick tied to the neck which is hanging a few inches in front of horse, donkey or mule. This is a way to entice the animal forward. The animal never actually gets to eat the carrot.
Implies that the animal, person or country is not too smart and ruled by base instincts or political expediency.
Often used incorrectly to describe enticement (the carrot) from the front and threats from the rear (the stick, for beating). Usually in a political context
Derived from the use of a carrot on string supported by a stick tied to the neck which is hanging a few inches in front of horse, donkey or mule. This is a way to entice the animal forward. The animal never actually gets to eat the carrot.
Implies that the animal, person or country is not too smart and ruled by base instincts or political expediency.
Often used incorrectly to describe enticement (the carrot) from the front and threats from the rear (the stick, for beating). Usually in a political context
Correct usage but less commonly seen in the media.
The USA is using the carrot and stick approach to nuclear disarmament with North Korea, promising food, fuel and trade in exchange for closing down the nuclear weapons plants. The North Koreans have complied but the USA has not delivered the promised goods.
Incorrect usage but quite common in the media.
Obama is using the carrot and the stick approach with Israel, promising them new F-14 aircraft if they sit down at the table with the Palestinians and discuss a two state solution to the conflict and threatening them with a cut off of military aid if they do not negotiate in good faith.
The USA is using the carrot and stick approach to nuclear disarmament with North Korea, promising food, fuel and trade in exchange for closing down the nuclear weapons plants. The North Koreans have complied but the USA has not delivered the promised goods.
Incorrect usage but quite common in the media.
Obama is using the carrot and the stick approach with Israel, promising them new F-14 aircraft if they sit down at the table with the Palestinians and discuss a two state solution to the conflict and threatening them with a cut off of military aid if they do not negotiate in good faith.
by icemaniceman2222 June 2, 2009
Get the carrot and the stick mug.A carrot on a stick is an idiom meaning an award or gift given for encouraging oneself to do something.
by Vanessavampire12 October 26, 2017
Get the carrot on a stick mug.by anonymous September 15, 2025
Get the Carrots and sticks mug.Derisive term for a situation where a chronic moocher tries to temptingly persuade you to "just give him one very last loan" supposedly in order to enable him to accomplish whatever he needs to do in order to become able to finally pay you back all that he owes you --- and possibly a bit extra as a gratitude gesture --- in one lump sum. The idea is that he still does not even possess a real "carrot" --- i.e., any actual cold hard cash --- to offer you, but he is merely offering you the empty-talk promise of a "whole bag or carrots" --- i.e., a large one-time payment-amount that is far greater than any of the individual loans you have given him so far -- if you continue to bust your a** on his behalf. And of course, this assertion, too, is itself usually just another worthless promise, similar to all the other times when said handout-seeker has come bawling and blubbering to you for financial assistance in the past.
The local preacher tried to tell me that if I toil my butt off and live a life of strict propriety and chastity, **maybe** I will be given great rewards in Heaven. Sounds like a classic "empty carrots-bag on a stick" promise to me --- why should I suffer the agonies of an extra-hard and boring existence, especially when I am not even assured of any recognition or benefits for my efforts, anyway???
by QuacksO December 8, 2018
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