0993 Twist someone's arm - English Idioms

Explanation

To persuade or pressure someone, often gently or playfully, to do something they were initially reluctant to do.
It implies overcoming resistance.

Origin

Purely metaphorical, evoking the image of applying physical pressure (like twisting an arm) to force someone to agree or comply.
Became common in the mid-20th century.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Lean on someone (apply pressure)
Put the screws on someone / Turn the screws (apply stronger pressure, more serious)
Strong-arm someone (implies more force or less choice, often negative)
Talk someone into (neutral persuasion)
Wear someone down (persistent persuasion)

Milder/Standard:

Persuade
Convince
Coax
Urge
Encourage strongly
Prevail upon (More formal)

Situational Appropriateness

Mostly informal. Common among friends, family, and sometimes colleagues in casual interactions.
Using it when agreeing (You twisted my arm) is often humorous and softens the agreement.
Avoid using it in very formal negotiations or situations where genuine coercion could be negatively implied.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The main risk is a non-native speaker taking the physical violence literally. It's crucial to understand it's figurative and often lighthearted.

Examples

I didn't really want dessert, but the host twisted my arm.
Go on, come to the party with us! Let me twist your arm.
Okay, okay, you twisted my arm! I'll join the committee. (Often said humorously when agreeing)

Dialogue

Friend 1: You should definitely run for class president! You'd be great!

Friend 2: Nah, I don't think so. It seems like a lot of work.

Friend 1: Come on! Everyone thinks you should do it. Please? For me?

Friend 2: (Smiling and shaking head) Alright, alright, you've twisted my arm. I'll think about putting my name in.

Friend 1: Yes! That's awesome!

Response Patterns

When someone yields: Okay, you twisted my arm. The persuader responds: Great! / Excellent! / I knew you would!
When accused: I didn't twist your arm! You secretly wanted to come. or Well, maybe just a little persuasion.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone's arm is 'twisted', they commit to or perform the action they agreed to (Okay, what time should I be there?).
The persuader expresses satisfaction and might confirm details.

Conversation Starter

No. It describes the act or outcome of persuasion.

Intonation

Emphasis typically on TWISTED and ARM.
You've TWISTED my ARM! (Said with mock reluctance when agreeing)
Do I have to TWIST your ARM? (Said by the persuader, can be playful or slightly impatient)

Generation Differences

Widely understood and used across all generations.

Regional Variations

Common in all major English-speaking regions.

Butter someone up

🎲 Play the [something] card

[0993] Twist someone's arm