The phrase "to dangle the carrot" means to offer someone a reward or incentive to motivate them to do something. It comes from the idea of dangling a carrot in front of a horse to make it move forward. Full definition
The Galaxy S8 is one of the most compelling phones of 2017, but if you're sat on the fence about whether you're going to get one, Samsung wants to sway your hand by dangling a carrot in front of your face, in the form of a free entertainment kit. (thenextweb.com)
The biggest dangling carrot for another team would be pitching to the 27 - year - old a chance to start, which would undoubtedly prove intriguing to him. (sbnation.com)