Arm Idioms

Arm Idioms

Our arms do so much for us – hugging loved ones, reaching for goals, and even… expressing ourselves through idioms? That’s right! The humble arm shows up surprisingly often in figurative language, offering a range of colorful expressions. Let’s delve into the world of arm idioms and see how they extend the meaning of our communication!

List of Arm Idioms

Arm Idioms with Meaning and Examples

Armed to the teeth

• Meaning: Fully equipped with weapons.
• Example: The soldiers were armed to the teeth as they entered enemy territory.

Up in arms

• Meaning: Extremely angry or agitated about something.
• Example: The citizens were up in arms over the proposed construction of a new landfill.

Arms race

• Meaning: Competition between nations to have superior armed forces.
• Example: The Cold War was characterized by a nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Cost an arm and a leg

• Meaning: Extremely expensive.
• Example: Buying a new car these days can cost an arm and a leg.

Twist someone’s arm

• Meaning: Persuade or coerce someone to do something.
• Example: I had to twist his arm to get him to come to the party with us.

Keep someone at arm’s length

• Meaning: Maintain a distance or avoid getting too close to someone.
• Example: After the argument, she decided to keep her coworker at arm’s length.

Under someone’s arm

• Meaning: Being protected or supported by someone.
• Example: The little girl walked happily under her father’s arm.

Arms akimbo

• Meaning: Standing with hands on hips and elbows pointing outward.
• Example: The teacher stood with arms akimbo, waiting for the noisy class to quiet down.

Give one’s right arm for something

• Meaning: Willing to sacrifice a lot for something desired.
• Example: He would give his right arm for a chance to travel the world.

In the arms of Morpheus

• Meaning: Asleep, especially deeply asleep.
• Example: After a long day’s work, she quickly fell into the arms of Morpheus.

Armed and dangerous

• Meaning: Ready to use weapons and potentially harmful.
• Example: The fugitive was considered armed and dangerous, and citizens were warned not to approach him.

Lend a helping hand

• Meaning: Offer assistance or support.
• Example: When my car broke down, my neighbor was quick to lend a helping hand.

An armchair critic

• Meaning: Someone who offers opinions or criticism but does not participate actively.
• Example: He’s just an armchair critic; he never actually does anything to help.

Arms wide open

• Meaning: Ready to welcome or embrace someone or something warmly.
• Example: The organization welcomed new members with arms wide open.

Take up arms

• Meaning: To prepare for battle or conflict.
• Example: The rebels decided to take up arms against the oppressive regime.

Bear arms

• Meaning: To carry weapons, especially firearms.
• Example: In some countries, it’s a constitutional right to bear arms.

Arms of the law

• Meaning: Referring to police or other authorities.
• Example: The criminal was finally caught by the long arms of the law.

In the arms of the law

• Meaning: Captured or detained by law enforcement.
• Example: After months on the run, the fugitive found himself in the arms of the law.

Arms length transaction

• Meaning: A transaction between parties with no prior relationship, to ensure fairness. Example: The company insisted on an arms-length transaction to avoid any conflicts of interest.

Shot in the arm

• Meaning: A stimulus or boost, often to morale or energy.
• Example: The team’s victory was a real shot in the arm for their confidence.

Right-hand man

• Meaning: Someone’s most trusted and relied-upon assistant or associate.
• Example: John has been my right-hand man for years; I don’t know what I’d do without him.

Go out on a limb

• Meaning: To take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position.
• Example: I’ll go out on a limb and say that she’ll be the next CEO.

Roll up your sleeves

• Meaning: Prepare for hard work or a challenge.
• Example: It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get this project finished.

Lend a hand

• Meaning: Offer practical help or assistance.
• Example: Can you lend a hand with these heavy boxes?

An arm’s reach

• Meaning: Within easy reach or accessibility.
• Example: Keep the emergency phone numbers within an arm’s reach at all times.

Give someone the cold shoulder

• Meaning: Ignore or reject someone.
• Example: Despite my attempts to talk to her, she gave me the cold shoulder.

So next time you’re looking to add a punch to your conversation, reach for an arm idiom! They’ll surely lend a hand in making your communication more vivid and engaging.

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