Twist someone's arm meaning

Twist someone's arm definitions

Twist Someone's Arm: A Common Idiomatic Phrase Explained

When we talk about twisting someone's arm, we are not referring to physical violence or harm towards another person. Instead, this phrase is an idiomatic expression used to signify convincing or persuading someone to do something they may not initially want to do.

Origin of the Phrase

The origin of the phrase "twist someone's arm" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the idea of applying pressure or force to persuade someone to comply with a request. The image of physically twisting someone's arm conjures up a feeling of coercion or manipulation.

Usage in Daily Life

People often use this phrase in casual conversations or more formal settings to indicate that they are trying to convince someone to agree to something. It could be used in negotiations, sales pitches, or even just in friendly banter among friends.

Effects of Being Persuaded

When someone successfully twists another person's arm, it means that they have been able to sway their opinion or change their mind about a particular matter. This can be a powerful tool in communication and can lead to successful outcomes in various situations.

Alternatives to Physical Force

While the phrase may suggest a sense of forcefulness, it is important to note that in most cases, it is simply a metaphorical expression. Persuasion and convincing can be achieved through effective communication, logical reasoning, and appealing to someone's emotions or interests.

Next time you hear someone mention "twisting someone's arm," remember that it is not about inflicting harm but rather about the art of persuasion and influence in communication.

Twist someone's arm Examples

1. I had to twist his arm to get him to come to the party with us.
2. She really had to twist my arm to convince me to try sushi for the first time.
3. They had to twist the manager's arm to get approval for a longer lunch break.
4. The salesperson tried to twist my arm into buying a more expensive product.
5. I had to twist her arm to get her to go on a hike with me.
6. He won't do it willingly, you'll have to twist his arm to get him to help.
7. They had to twist their parents' arms to let them go on the trip without supervision.
8. It took some arm twisting, but he finally agreed to help with the charity event.
9. She had to twist the landlord's arm to get the necessary repairs done on the apartment.
10. They had to twist the professor's arm to extend the deadline for the assignment.

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