PhrasesHub

Shot in the arm

    Definitions

      • encouragement or boost
        To provide a positive stimulus or motivation to someone or something

      • a sudden improvement
        To bring about a sudden positive change or improvement in a situation or condition

    Examples of Shot in the arm

    • The small business owner received a shot in the arm when she secured a large contract from a major corporation.

      This idiom means that the business owner experienced a significant boost or improvement in her business. The "shot" refers to an injection, such as a vaccine, which provides a sudden and powerful effect. In this case, the "shot" is the unexpected and beneficial contract, which has given the business owner the energy and resources she needs to succeed.

    • After a rocky start, the team needed a shot in the arm to regain their confidence.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a positive change or stimulus that is needed to revive or reinvigorate something. In this case, the "team" has faced some setbacks, causing them to lose their confidence and motivation. The "shot" represents the injection of energy and belief that they need to get back on track and perform at their best.

    • The government's announcement of a new funding program was a shot in the arm for the struggling arts community.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a positive impact or effect that is felt throughout a community or group. In this case, the "shot" refers to the injection of financial support and resources into the arts community, which has given them the encouragement and resources they need to thrive.

    • The coach gave the team a stern talking-to, hoping it would be a shot in the arm before the big game.

      This idiom refers to a sudden and powerful change or influence that is intended to have a positive effect on someone or something. In this case, the "coach" is trying to rally the team before a crucial match, hoping that a strong and urgent message will inspire them to perform at their best. In this context, the "shot" represents the injection of energy and focus that the team needs to succeed.

    • The launch of the new product gave our sales a shot in the arm.

      This idiom means that the new product brought a sudden and significant increase in sales. It is sometimes called a "boost" or "jolt" in other contexts, but "shot in the arm" is more commonly used in reference to sales or business.

    • The visiting team's star player was out, but the team rallied and got a shot in the arm from a surprising newcomer.

      This idiom means that the team received a sudden and unexpected boost from a new player. It suggests that the team's performance improved significantly as a result of this newcomer, much like the sudden and powerful injection of a "shot in the arm" can provide a sudden and powerful boost to the body.

    • The news of the collaboration between the two companies gave the entire industry a shot in the arm.

      This idiom means that the announcement of the partnership between the two companies brought a sudden and significant improvement to the entire industry. It suggests that the partnership sparked enthusiasm and excitement, much like the sudden and powerful injection of a "shot in the arm" can provide a sudden and powerful boost to the body.

    • The approval of the funding request gave the project a shot in the arm, allowing us to move forward with our plans.

      This idiom means that the approval of the funding request brought a sudden and significant increase in resources and support for the project. It suggests that the funding request was successful and that this success provided a sudden and powerful boost to the project's ability to move forward, much like the sudden and powerful injection of a "shot in the arm" can provide a sudden and powerful boost to the body.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "shot in the arm" can be used to describe both the act of providing encouragement or a boost to someone or something, as well as the sudden improvement or positive change that results from it. It is often used in a figurative sense to convey the idea of injecting energy or vitality into a person or situation.

    Origin of "Shot in the arm"

    The origin of the idiom "shot in the arm" can be traced back to the use of literal shots as a form of medical treatment. In the past, injections or "shots" were often administered to provide a quick boost or improvement in a person's health. Over time, this concept of a "shot" as a form of positive stimulus or improvement became applied to other areas of life, leading to the figurative use of the idiom to describe a boost or sudden improvement. The idiom is commonly used in informal language and is understood to convey the idea of providing a much-needed lift or enhancement. For example, "The new funding was a real shot in the arm for the struggling company, and it helped turn their fortunes around."