Meaning & use
hold arms
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
To have your arms around someone or something, or to keep them in a particular position.
Grammar: Often used with 'each other' or 'together': hold arms with someone; hold arms around something.
Patterns
- hold arms with someone
- hold arms around someone/something
The couple walked along the beach, holding arms around each other.
The children held arms around the big tree and tried to reach all the way round.
phrasefixed phrase
To link your arm through another person's arm, especially when walking together.
Grammar: Often used in the form 'hold arms with someone' or 'hold each other's arms'.
Patterns
- hold arms with someone
- hold each other's arms
The two friends held arms as they walked down the street.
In some cultures, it is common for men to hold arms when they are close friends.
phrasefixed phraseformalmilitary
To carry weapons, especially in a military context.
Grammar: Usually used in the phrase 'bear arms' or 'take up arms'; 'hold arms' is less common but understood.
Patterns
- hold arms against someone
The rebels held arms against the government for many years.
Citizens have the right to hold arms in some countries.
Common combinations
- hold arms with someone
- She held arms with her mother as they crossed the road.
- hold arms around someone
- He held arms around his daughter to comfort her.
- hold arms together
- The team stood in a circle, holding arms together.
- hold arms against
- The militia held arms against the invaders.
Synonyms and how they differ
- link arms
- More common for the friendly gesture of walking with arms joined; 'hold arms' is less specific.
- embrace
- Suggests a full hug, not just arms; 'hold arms' is narrower.
- bear arms
- A formal or legal phrase for carrying weapons; 'hold arms' can mean this but is less standard.
Opposites
Commonly confused: hold arms or hold a grudge?
hold arms vs hold a grudge
A completely different idiom meaning to keep anger about a past event; not related to arms.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'hold arms' correctly to mean linking arms while walking?
Choose one answer.
'Hold arms with someone' is the correct pattern for linking arms. The other prepositions do not fit this meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hold arms”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.