Twist someone’s arm

Definitions

• persuade or convince someone to do something against their will
  To use pressure or force to get someone to do something they don't want to do, often through manipulation or coercion

• cause someone physical harm
  To physically hurt or injure someone by twisting their arm, usually as a means of punishment or torture

• make someone feel uncomfortable or awkward
  To put someone in an uncomfortable or awkward position, often by forcing them to do something or reveal information they don't want to

Examples of Twist someone’s arm

• The boss tried to twist my arm into staying late at the office, but I refused.

  This idiom is used to describe someone trying to persuade or force you to do something against your will. It implies that the person is applying pressure, like twisting someone's arm, to make them do what they want. In this example, the boss was attempting to convince the speaker to work late, but they refused to give in to the pressure.

• My friend twisted my arm into going to the party with her, even though I wasn't in the mood to socialize.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used in a more social context. The friend applied enough pressure to convince the speaker to attend the party, despite their initial reluctance.

• The salesman tried to twist my arm into buying the expensive product, but I stuck to my guns and declined.

  This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in a business context. The salesman was trying to persuade the speaker to make a costly purchase, but they remained firm in their decision not to buy.

• My sister twisted my arm into helping her move, and I'm glad I did because it turned out to be a fun experience.

  This example shows how the idiom can have a positive connotation. The speaker was initially hesitant to help their sister move, but they eventually agreed. In the end, they enjoyed the experience and were glad they agreed to help.

• My boss twisted my arm into taking on extra responsibilities, but I knew it would be a good opportunity for me to learn and grow in my role.

  This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in a professional context where the pressure applied is not necessarily negative. The speaker was persuaded to take on additional duties, but they saw it as a chance to develop their skills and advance in their career.

Conclusion

The idiom "twist someone's arm" is commonly used to describe the act of persuading or convincing someone to do something against their will. It can also refer to causing physical harm or discomfort to someone by twisting their arm. This phrase is often used to convey a sense of forcing or manipulating someone into a situation they may not want to be in.

In some cases, "twist someone's arm" can also be used figuratively to describe a situation where someone is being pressured or coerced into making a decision or taking action. This could be in a work setting, where someone is being pushed to complete a task or take on a project they are not interested in. It could also refer to social situations, where someone is being persuaded to attend an event or participate in an activity they may not be comfortable with.

Origin of "Twist someone’s arm"

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in the 19th century. One theory suggests that it may have come from the practice of physically twisting someone's arm as a form of punishment or torture. Another theory suggests that it may have originated from the phrase "to twist someone's words," meaning to manipulate or distort someone's words to suit one's own agenda.

Over time, the phrase evolved to its current usage, representing the act of using manipulation or pressure to get someone to do something they may not want to do. It is now a commonly used idiom in English, often used in both casual and formal settings to describe the act of convincing or persuading someone against their will.