Twist (one's) arm In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "twist (one's) arm", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Jenne Phuong calendar 2021-06-21 08:06

Meaning of Twist (one's) arm

Synonyms:

put/tighten the screws on sb

Twist (one's) arm informal

The allusion of this expression is that a person bends someone’s arm upwards behind their back in order to hurt them until he/she agrees to cooperate.

If a person "twists one's arm", he/she makes a great effort to persuade someone to do something that they don't really want.

I didn't have a keen on art gallery but my boyfriend twisted my arm. However when I arrived, I found it quite interesting.

I don't want to twist your arm to have a drink with me. It depends on you whether to go or not.

Other phrases about:

pressure (one) into (doing something)

To compel someone to do something

knock/talk some sense into somebody

To help or convince someone to begin thinking reasonably (about something).

rope (one) into (doing) (something)

 To persuade someone to do something or to involve in an activity

force (someone or something) through (something)

1. To push somebody/something through something in a rough way.
2. To try to persuade or force someone/something to agree with something. 
 

knock (some) sense into (one)

try to persuade someone to stop behaving foolishly, sometimes using rough or violent methods.

Grammar and Usage of Twist (one's) arm

Verb Forms

  • to twist (one's) arm
  • twists (one's) arm
  • twisting (one's) arm
  • twisted (one's) arm

The verb "twist" should be conjugated according to its tense. 

Origin of Twist (one's) arm

Originally alluding to physical coercion, this term is now generally used more loosely and often jocularly. [the Mid-1900s]

The Origin Cited: dictionary.com .
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