What Does 'Twist Someone's Arm' Mean? (よく使う英語慣用語句）

What Does 'Twist Someone's Arm' Mean?

Introduction:

Have you ever been pressured into doing something you didn't really want to do? Someone might have "twisted your arm." This common idiom in English describes a type of persuasion. 


1. What Does 'Twist Someone's Arm' Mean?

"Twist someone's arm" means to persuade or pressure someone to do something they are reluctant to do. It implies using some kind of force, whether physical or psychological, to get someone to agree. While the phrase suggests physical force, it's almost always used metaphorically.


2. When to Use It

This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone has been successfully persuaded, often after some resistance. It suggests that the person doing the persuading was quite insistent or persuasive.

  • Example:

A: I'm not sure I can come to your party this weekend.

B: Come on, don't make me twist your arm.


3. 日本語の同じような表現

日本語で同じような意味を持つフレーズは、「無理強いする」や「説得する」などがあります。これらの言葉は、相手が乗り気でないことをさせようとする行為を表します。「強引にさせる」という表現も近い意味合いを持ちます。英語の「Twist someone's arm」と同じように、ある程度の強制力や説得力を持って相手を動かすニュアンスがあります。


Conclusion:

"Twist someone's arm" describes the act of persuading someone, often against their initial will. While it can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, it doesn't always imply malicious intent. It simply highlights the persuasive effort involved.


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