Carrots and sticks 

Carrots and sticks

Learn the carrots and sticks in this industry

Carrots and sticks by anonymous September 15, 2025

carrot and the stick

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

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.

carrot and the stick by icemaniceman2222 June 2, 2009