twɪst ˈsʌmwʌnz ɑːrm
Body Parts
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Physically rotating someone's arm
What does "twist someone's arm" mean?
- To pressure or persuade someone strongly
- To coerce someone into doing something
Examples
- I didn't want to go, but they twisted my arm.
- You don't have to twist my arm—I'd love to help!
- It took some arm-twisting, but she agreed.
Origin
From the painful act of twisting someone's arm to force compliance. Metaphor for strong persuasion.
How to use it
Often used humorously when someone doesn't need much convincing.
Similar expressions
pressure
persuade forcefully
coerce
convince strongly
Opposites
let decide freely
not pressure
accept refusal
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "twist someone's arm" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.