be up in arms

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. be up in arms meaning, in what situations is it used?

Meaning of "be up in arms"

Meaning

The phrase 'be up in arms' has different meanings, but is generally used to indicate a situation of hostility or aggression. It can be used to describe a group of people expressing their anger and frustration by taking some form of direct action, such as a protest or demonstration. The phrase can also be used to describe a person or group who is actively advocating for a particular cause or issue.

Etymology

The phrase 'be up in arms' has been traced back to the 16th century and first appeared in the works of William Shakespeare. In his play 'Hamlet', the phrase is used to describe a situation of looming conflict, when one character says, "Let us go in together, and still your fingers on your lips, I pray. The time is out of joint. O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right!" The phrase 'be up in arms' is derived from the use of weapons, either physical or verbal, to express one's anger or frustration.

Usage

The phrase 'be up in arms' is used to refer to a situation of hostility or aggression, either between individuals, groups of people, or nations. It can also refer to a person or group taking direct action, such as a protest or demonstration, to encourage change or make a statement.

Example Sentences

• The residents of the town were up in arms over the proposed development.
• The workers were up in arms about the new rules.
• The protesters were up in arms about the lack of action on climate change.
• The politician had the entire country up in arms with his controversial comments.

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.