straight-arm

[ streyt-ahrm ]

verb (used with object)

1. Football. to push (a potential tackler) away by holding the arm out straight; stiff-arm.
2. to force, push, or fend off by or as if by holding out a stiff arm against obstacles:

   He straight-armed his way into the middle of the crowded room.

noun

1. Football. an act or instance of straight-arming.

straight-arm

adjective

1. rugby (of a tackle) performed with the arm fully extended

verb

1. tr to ward off (an opponent) with the arm outstretched

Word History and Origins

Origin of straight-arm¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

"This is a PR stunt," she told the court, referring to the hearing, at the start of which on Tuesday Breivik gave a straight-arm Nazi salute as he entered the courtroom.

From Reuters

Some people were filmed chasing foreigners through streets, while others were seen with Nazi-linked banners and giving the straight-arm salute.

From The Guardian

As he left the club that night, Mr. Kinsman had taunted protesters with a straight-arm salute and by making punching motions, video showed.

From New York Times

"I’m a member of the straight-arm club. … I just pretend that you have a cold and I have a cold. Join the straight-arm club with me."

From Fox News

"I'm a member of the straight-arm club," she said, extending a stiff arm out to demonstrate.

From Salon