stiff-arm

[ stif-ahrm ]

verb (used with object)

1. straight-arm.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stiff-arm¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

And so rather than make a proposal and then respond to a stiff arm with a better offer, he is refusing to negotiate with himself.

From The Daily Beast

And tonight, when he had the opportunity, Obama gave the tough issues the stiff arm.

From The Daily Beast

Used to wear his blue shirt and his boots and give his damned stiff-arm salute all over the place.

From Project Gutenberg

Zack swung his stiff arm and the gambler bounced back as though he had been struck with a club.

From Project Gutenberg

A French soldier had crept in and raised the stiff arm of the mannikin to the salute, pushed back the hat to a rakish angle.

From Project Gutenberg

Buck raised a stiff arm and gently drew her toward him with a wonderfully protecting movement.

From Project Gutenberg

Athalie also sat down in the stiff arm-chair by the table where her crystal stood on its tripod.

From Project Gutenberg