Without full communication, one's ability to convey such a pattern of intentions is dependent not only on the contextual materials available for the formation of bounds and limits but on the capacity of the other player to recognize the formula (Gestalt) of retaliation when he sees a sample of it. Historical and literary precedent, legal and moral casuistry, mathematics and aesthetics, as well as familiar analogues from other walks of life, may constitute the menu from which one has to choose his recognizable pattern of retaliation as well as his interpretation of the other's intended pattern. Even with full verbal communication, the situation may not be greatly different; patterns of action may speak louder than words.

XREF: Connects to game theory and signalling theory — the idea that a threat or retaliation is only credible if the other party can recognize the pattern being signaled.

Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, loc. 256