English Idioms

Idioms With Arm

When something costs an arm and a leg, it is very pricey. This is an informal idiom.

• That laptop cost me an arm and a leg.

When you receive a shot in the arm, you get a sudden encouragement.

• This industry needs a shot in the arm in the form of foreign investment.

• No one can escape the long arm of the law.

When you twist somebody’s arm you persuade them to do something they don’t want to do.

• I didn’t want to go to the party, but Jane twisted my arm. (= Jane persuaded me to go.)

When you keep somebody at arm’s length, you don’t allow them to be too friendly with you.

• I don’t know why she is keeping me at arm’s length.
• I always keep strangers at arm’s length.

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