Arm idioms list
Let’s look at some popular body idioms that contain the body part ‘arm’.
arm in arm
meaning – two or more people with linked arms
example – Oscar and his new girlfriend were spotted walking around arm in arm.
cost an arm and a leg
meaning – be very expensive
example – We won’t be going to that Italian again. It costs an arm and a leg, and the menu is basic.
give one’s right arm
meaning – you would do anything to do/get something
example – Lucy would give her right arm to meet One Direction.
keep at arm’s length
meaning – avoid being too close or friendly with someone/something
example – There is something not quite right about Jeffrey, I’m going to keep him at arm’s length.
the long arm of the law
meaning – the power of the police/justice system
example – After 7 years on the run, the long arm of the law finally caught up with him.
twist someone’s arm
meaning – persuade someone to do something they are reluctant to do
example – Please come out for a drink, I’ll keep twisting your arm until you do.
up in arms
meaning – be angry and strongly protest about something
example – The citizens were up in arms about the decision to raise taxes by 25%.
with open arms
meaning – in a very warm, kind and friendly way
example – We greeted our new son-in-law with open arms.
body part idiom with ‘arm’ quiz
Test yourself and see what you’ve learnt from this page. The answers are at the bottom of the picture.
You can download a table of ‘arm’ idioms and expressions below.
If you’ve enjoyed this page, don’t forget to check out some more body idioms by clicking on the links below.
