twist arm

twist someone's arm

Fig. to pressure someone. (Fig. on the image of hurting someone until they agree to cooperate.) I had to twist her arm a little, but she agreed. Do I have to twist your arm, or will you cooperate?

See also: arm, twist

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twist somebody'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. (humorous) 'Have a cream cake?' 'Oh, go on then, if you twist my arm.'

See turn the knife, twist around little finger, leave to twist in the wind

See also: arm, twist

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twist somebody'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