Carrot and stick/Carrot or stick...?

[tethersend]

I had always understood the phrase 'carrot and stick' to refer to the dangling of a carrot attached to a stick in front of a donkey in order to make him go faster; however, its common use seems to refer to a carrot or stick, whereby said donkey is rewarded with a carrot or beaten by a stick.

Which is correct?

The latter - you either reward (the carrot), or you punish (the stick).

That would be beaten with a stick, of course.

Where does that originate from?

I think I'm right, and I need proof otherwise

Bugger this, I'm taking it to AIBU- I need the opinion of the masses.

I'm pretty massive at the moment. Does this not count?

I think it is 'carrot and stick' and have always imagined the carrot attached to a stick (fishing rod style) dangling in front of the donkey.

Even AIBU's not interested, BecauseImworthit...

I am also massive, so our opinions will have to do.

Oooh, although thanks for agreeing with me, aJumpedUpPantryBoy

Well you're wrong too!

Come over to the AIBU thread and let's try and generate a modicum of interest...

I don't know how reliable a source this is, but as it agrees with what I've always thought it meant it's good enough for me definition