strong-arm somebody

Meaning(s)

1. use force or threats to make somebody do what you want

Popularity

High

Professional

High

Social

Check Icon How to Memorize

use strong-arm tactics

Check Icon Analysis

To 'strong-arm' somebody is to force or coerce someone into doing something. When you strong arm somebody it usually involves excessive or unwarranted force or an element of bullying or control. 

Check Icon Professional Examples (Advance)

  1. I was strong-armed out of the company because I highlighted some of the shady practices that I had seen going on.
  2. The business owner resorted to strong-arm tactics to secure a more favourable deal from the supplier.
  3. Claire accused Neil of strong-arming her into going along with his proposal despite her reservations.

Check Icon Social Examples (Basic)

  1. My wife strong-armed me into agreeing to doing up the garden by threatening me with a visit from her parents.
  2. Our toddler hates baths so we sometimes have to strong arm him into the bathtub.

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