twist someone's arm

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   To persuade or pressure someone, often not very forcefully, into doing something they are reluctant to do.

   Grammar: Possessive agrees with the person: twist her arm, twist my arm.

   Patterns

   • twist someone's arm to do something
   • twist someone's arm into something

   I did not want to come, but she twisted my arm.

   He twisted her arm into joining the committee.

   You don't have to twist my arm to get me to try dessert.

2. 2phraseidiom

   To bend someone's arm painfully, as a physical way of forcing them.

   Grammar: Literal use: the verb takes the arm as its object.

   Patterns

   • twist someone's arm behind their back

   The bully twisted his arm behind his back.

   She twisted the thief's arm until he dropped the bag.

   Never twist someone's arm in a game.

Word forms

Common combinations

twist my arm

All right, twist my arm, I'll have one more slice.

without twisting an arm

We got them to agree without twisting an arm.

had to twist her arm

I had to twist her arm to get her to sing.

twisted his arm into

They twisted his arm into lending the car.

Synonyms and how they differ

pressure

Pressure is plainer and can be serious, while twist someone's arm is often playful.

coax

Coax means gently persuading, whereas twist someone's arm suggests more insistent pushing.

arm-twist

Arm-twist is a compact verb and noun form with the same sense, often in business or politics.

lean on

Lean on suggests heavier pressure and may carry a threat.

Opposites

Word family

arm-twisting noun

strong persuasion

twist verb

to turn or bend

arm noun

limb from shoulder to hand

armlock noun

wrestling hold on the arm

Commonly confused: twist someone's arm or pull someone's leg?

Practice

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