To give the appearance of being adamant or decisive, while really having no intention to "make good" on one's promises (or threats). Derived from the tradition of the jurisprudent's gavel in US courts, which is used in television dramas to silence a querulous courtroom -- the gavel, despite conveying the image of power and authority, has in itself no inherent power (and so often proves insufficient at restoring "
order in the court" amidst the outbursts of some
headstrong witness or defendant). Because the gesture is itself only
performative, it relies entirely upon the fear and awe of the hearer in order to retain its power.