be up in arms

be up in arms is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression be up in arms is also remarkable in this respect.

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.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.