arm-twist

[ ahrm-twist ]

verb (used with object)

1. to subject to arm-twisting:

   The unions arm-twisted the government into negotiating by threatening widespread strikes.

Other Words From

• arm-twister noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arm-twist¹

Back formation from arm-twisting

Example Sentences

As long as the Soviet threat hovered across the horizon, Washington could persuade or arm-twist allies, and even some neutral countries, to go along with U.S. policies—even when those policies didn’t suit their interests.

From Slate

“And so, what we must do is to persuade — or arm-twist — the juntas, who at any event have no capacity to run those countries, to commit to what I call, timely redemocratization,” he added.

From Seattle Times

The House Republicans called the rules the "latest attempt to carry out President Biden’s radical rush-to-green agenda, which will take away Americans’ choice when it comes to the kind of vehicle they drive—and arm-twist people into buying vehicles they can’t afford."

From Reuters

Mr. McCarthy may have needed to arm-twist and cajole to pass legislation that will go nowhere in the Senate, but his ability to keep his members together — including soliciting “yes” votes from right-wing members who proudly boasted that they had never before voted to increase the debt ceiling — amounted to a significant, if symbolic, achievement.

From New York Times

Mr. Jaffrelot said Mr. Modi’s methods for exerting influence over elements of the judiciary were not unlike those he has used against political opponents, winning them to his side by dangling new posts and incentives, or using institutional levers at his disposal to arm-twist those who resist.

From New York Times

Related Words

• bring out
• evoke
• extort
• extract
• obtain
• wrest
• wring