twist arm

twist someone's arm

to persuade someone to do something that they do not want to do. He might help us with the painting if you twist his arm. 'Have a cream cake?' 'Oh, go on then, if you twist my arm.' (humorous)

See also: arm, twist

---

twist someone's arm

to strongly encourage someone to do something they do not want to do. If he doesn't want to go, you've just got to twist his arm to get him to do it.

See also: arm, twist