arm-twisting

American

[ahrm-twis-ting] / ˈɑrmˌtwɪs tɪŋ /

Or armtwisting

noun

the use of threat, coercion, or other forms of pressure and persuasion to achieve one's purpose.

It took a lot of arm-twisting but he finally agreed to work this weekend.

Etymology

Origin of arm-twisting

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to Luna, the arm-twisting from leaders, offering a mix of carrots and sticks, was intense.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2025

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who remains a thundering force in the Democratic Party nearly two years after giving up her official leadership role, is best known for her behind-the scenes advice and occasional arm-twisting.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2024

On Thursday, after months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, arm-twisting and manoeuvring, he accomplished that task.

From BBC • Aug. 1, 2024

“He was very good at making it in people’s interests to be cooperating with him. I don’t know if he did arm-twisting exactly. It was implicit, I would say.”

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2023

Under such relentless arm-twisting, we finally gave in and allowed ourselves to be taken to Coffin’s.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023