1187 Twist someone's arm - English Idioms

Explanation

To persuade or pressure someone, often playfully, to do something they are initially reluctant to do.

Origin

This phrase uses the literal image of physically twisting someone's arm to force them to comply.
It's used figuratively to mean applying strong (but not necessarily physical) pressure or persuasion.
Became common in the early to mid-20th century.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Lean on someone
Put the squeeze on someone (implies more pressure)
Talk someone round (UK)
Get someone on board

More Formal:

Persuade forcefully
Prevail upon someone
Exert influence

Situational Appropriateness

Primarily informal.
Often used humorously or light-heartedly when someone yields to persuasion.
Can imply more serious pressure depending on context, so caution is advised in formal settings where it might sound manipulative.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Could be taken literally by learners, implying physical force.
Ensure the context of (often light-hearted) persuasion is clear.

Examples

I didn't want dessert, but the cheesecake looked so good, they twisted my arm.
Go on, have another drink! Oh, alright, you twisted my arm! (Said playfully when agreeing)
We had to twist his arm a bit, but he finally agreed to join the committee.

Dialogue

Liam: Are you sure you don't want to come to the concert? It's going to be amazing!

Chloe: I'm really supposed to study tonight...

Liam: Come on, just for a couple of hours! It'll be a great break.

Chloe: (Sighs dramatically) Okay, fine, you twisted my arm! Let me grab my jacket.

Response Patterns

Playful agreement: Alright, you twisted my arm!, Okay, you win!
If asked if persuasion was needed: Yeah, I had to twist their arm., No, they agreed quite easily.
Acknowledgment: Ah, so you convinced them.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone playfully agrees (Okay, you twisted my arm!):

The persuader might respond with Great! or Excellent!
The person who agreed then proceeds with the action (e.g., takes the dessert, agrees to go out).

After stating someone's arm was twisted:

Might be asked Was it difficult? or How did you convince them?

Conversation Starter

No. Used during or after the act of persuasion.

Intonation

Often said playfully when agreeing: Okay, okay, you TWISTED my ARM! (Exaggerated reluctance)
When describing persuasion: Emphasis on twisted and arm. We had to TWIST his ARM.

Generation Differences

Widely understood and used across generations.

Regional Variations

Common in most English-speaking regions.

Turn over a new leaf

🎲 Under the weather

[1187] Twist someone's arm