Carrot and sick?

Posted by Smokey Stover on March 20, 2007

In Reply to: posted by murali on March 20, 2007

: what is the meaning of "carrot and sick offer". I dont need its origination only the exact meaning of this phrase.

It will be easier to figure out if you say "carrot and stick." Both are useful, in different ways, to get a stubborn mule to move. The stick, applied to the hind end, may (emphasis on uncertainty) induce the mule to move forward. The carrot, dangled before the mule's eyes, may also induce forward movement. The phrase is a metaphor for the use of both positive inducements (rewards) and negative threats (punishment) to get what you want from someone or from some government or agency that is reluctant to give it to you.

There is a lengthy discussion in our archive as to how exactly this was done, and who exactly first used the words. For your purposes it is enough to know the metaphorical meaning. You do not have to worry about whether the carrot and the stick were both used at the same time, or whether both were actually applied. Sometimes only the carrot is needed, sometimes the stick works. Sometimes they are used in alternation.
SS