2arm noun
plural arms 1 [count] : a gun or other weapon that is used especially in a war — usually plural ▪ The government was selling arms to other countries. ▪ the right of individuals to carry/bear arms [=firearms] — often used before another noun ▪ an arms agreement/deal ▪ arms shipments ▪ The United Nations lifted the arms embargo against the country. — see also arms race, firearm, small arms 2 arms [plural] : coat of arms
▪ the royal arms of Portugal
▪ the royal arms of Portugal
call to arms
◊A call to arms is a request or command to become ready to fight.
▪ The government issued a call to arms. The phrase is also used for something that tries to make people fight for a cause. ▪ Her book is a political call to arms.
▪ The government issued a call to arms. The phrase is also used for something that tries to make people fight for a cause. ▪ Her book is a political call to arms.
in arms
◊If someone is your brother/sister/comrade in arms, that person has helped you fight an enemy especially in a war.
▪ He and I were brothers in arms. [=we fought in a war together]
▪ He and I were brothers in arms. [=we fought in a war together]
lay down your arms
: to put down your weapons and stop fighting
▪ The soldiers refused to lay down their arms.
▪ The soldiers refused to lay down their arms.
present arms
military — used as a command to hold your rifle so that it points straight up in front of you as a sign of respect
take up arms
: to pick up weapons and become ready to fight
▪ They took up arms to defend their city. ▪ The rebels are taking up arms against their own government.
▪ They took up arms to defend their city. ▪ The rebels are taking up arms against their own government.
under arms
: serving in the military
▪ the number of Americans now under arms around the world
▪ the number of Americans now under arms around the world
up in arms
: angry and ready to fight or argue
▪ Voters were up in arms over the new taxes.
▪ Voters were up in arms over the new taxes.
— compare 1arm
