Idioms

flex muscles

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flex (one's) muscle(s)

1. Literally, to contract one's muscles, especially to demonstrate their size and strength. He's so vain, flexing his muscles in the mirror whenever he thinks no one is looking. She flexed her muscles and told us not to mess with her brother again. A: "Wait, did you just flex your muscles? Sorry, I didn't notice any change in your arm." B: "Ugh, you're such a jerk."

2. By extension, to demonstrate one's influence, power, or strength. The small but outspoken nation has been flexing its muscles lately, with a wide range of military demonstrations. The wealthy business tycoon flexed his muscle to get the charges dropped against his son. I have flexed my muscle with City Hall, but they still refuse to reinstate our building project!

See also: flex

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

flex (one's) muscles

Informal

To exhibit or show off one's strength.

See also: flex, muscle

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

See also:

References in periodicals archive

Why flex muscles over a policy that has been implemented by the other party for the App Store, and has been agreed to by hundreds of app developers?

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'The GCC forces do not flex muscles or impose a threat on any country, but rather it is a force of stability and peace in the region and the whole world, as it is led by wise peace-loving leaders,' he said.

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Stretching and yawning may be a way to flex muscles and joints, increase heart rate, and feel more awake.

The traditionally cold winter weather will flex muscles again and show its full potential after February 22-23.

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Brody imposes himself physically on the film, losing his shirt to flex muscles in the climactic showdown, but there is no emotional component to the role and he delivers the leaden dialogue in a monotonous growl.

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Brody imposes himself physically on the film, losing his shirt to flex muscles in the climactic showdown, but like his co-stars, he sweats and snarls profusely in a thankless two-dimensional role.

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Brody imposes himself physically, losing his shirt to flex muscles in the climactic showdown, but like his co-stars, he sweats and snarls profusely in a thankless two-dimensional role.

Neither does it flex muscles to any great degree, so it follows that it's not going to get the adrenaline pumping.

French stretch star supermini for a Sport Tourer de force; Val Jessop tests the latest Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 86 Sport Tourer

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