Burning staff-burning torch and holding weapons. Originally refers to public robbery. After metaphor do bad things without hiding.
Holding a knife and moving a stick-generally refers to the use of force.
Use a few sticks-describe arrogance and don't treat guests with courtesy.
Move the stick with a knife-hold: hold. Staff: A wooden stick. Refers to the use of force
Holding a flaming staff-describes openly robbing or doing bad things unscrupulously. Use "open fire"
Take knives and sticks-wave knives, guns and sticks. Generally refers to the use of force.