PhrasesHub

Up in arms

    Definitions

      • angry or agitated
        To be very upset or bothered about something, usually a situation or event that has caused frustration or indignation

      • ready for battle or conflict
        To be prepared and eager to engage in a physical or verbal confrontation, often used in a figurative sense

      • in rebellion or protest
        To be actively opposing or resisting something, often used to describe a group or community that is united in their disagreement or dissent

    Examples of Up in arms

    • The community was up in arms after the city council announced plans to build a new highway through their neighborhood.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where people are very angry or upset about something. In this example, the community is strongly opposed to the city council's plan to build a new highway through their neighborhood, and they are expressing their anger and frustration. The phrase "up in arms" comes from the idea of people being prepared to fight, as if they were literally holding weapons and ready to go to war. However, in this context, it simply means that they are very angry and determined to resist the proposed plan.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "up in arms" is commonly used to convey a sense of anger or agitation, often in response to a frustrating or unjust situation. It can also signify a readiness for battle or conflict, or a state of rebellion or protest against a particular issue. In all of these meanings, the phrase suggests a sense of fervent emotion and a strong desire for change or resolution.

    Origin of "Up in arms"

    The origin of the idiom "up in arms" can be traced back to medieval times, when weapons such as swords and spears were stored on racks or hung on walls. When people were ready to fight, they would literally take up their arms and be ready to engage in battle. Over time, the phrase evolved to also refer to being emotionally ready for a confrontation or conflict.

    Another theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the practice of raising one's arms in protest or rebellion. This physical gesture of defiance would then be associated with being "up in arms" against a particular cause or authority.

    Today, the idiom is commonly used in everyday language to express a range of emotions and attitudes, from anger and agitation to readiness for action and protest. Its origins may be rooted in medieval warfare, but its usage has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings and contexts.