twist your arm

/ˌtwɪst jər ˈɑːm/INFORMAL · B2

Meaning

to persuade someone to do something they are unwilling to do

Examples

  1. 1I didn't want to go to the gym, but my sister twisted my arm.
  2. 2Another slice of cake? Well, if you twist my arm!
  3. 3Nobody wanted to organise the office party until the boss twisted Leo's arm.
  4. 4Mum didn't want a dog, but we twisted her arm and now she walks him every day.
  5. 5If you want Grandad to see a doctor, you'll have to twist his arm.

Grammar

twist changes form: twisted, twisting. your changes to name the person persuaded: my, her, Leo's.

Similar in meaning

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