- NEW!
by Jim in a Nautilus COAT on August 11th, 2009
It comes from a supposed method of motivating a stubborn mule to move forward. You attach a stick to his head and hang a carrot on the end of it. The mule wants the carrot, and keeps walking forward to try to get it. Truth told, most mules are far to smart to fall for that, but it nonetheless has become a euphemism for motivating someone with what is in truth an unobtainable reward.
by Moongrim on August 13th, 2009
Jim in a nautilus coat's answer is rather like religion.
But, but both Nautilus, and Pile are both correct.
Nautilus- Carrot and a stick.
Pile- Carrot or a stick.
by dead leaves raked in a pile on August 13th, 2009
Stick and carrot refers to positive and negative motivation.
The carrot is a reward - do right and you'll get the reward.
The stick is punishment - you can guess this bit.
It's got nothing to do with teasing a donkey with a carrot dangling from a stick.
by ScaryTruth on September 13th, 2010
The carrot: offer an attractive reward for a desired behavior/action, (positive reinforcement)
The stick: punish for non-compliance or undesired behavior/action, (negative reinforcement)
by ScaryTruth on September 13th, 2010
Share your answer...
What Persian word does pashmina come from?
by Answerbag Staff on April 23rd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What does\"in the land of\"mean?
by Answerbag Staff on April 22nd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What does bottom line mean?
by Answerbag Staff on April 22nd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Where does the term Rain check come from?
by theLastCynthia on January 21st, 2012
| 2 people like this
How can I be more original?
by Weylon on February 6th, 2012
| 4 people like this
You're reading What does the saying Carrot-and-stick mean?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
oh ty i had a hard time trying to understand the meaning ur comment helped me out alot tytyty
by true love conquers all on August 11th, 2009
My pleasure. :)
by Jim in a Nautilus COAT on August 11th, 2009
Can't beat that answer!
by Sharona Life is a Tale Told by an Idiot on August 12th, 2009
nope cant hehe :)
by true love conquers all on August 12th, 2009