take up the cudgels
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Related to take up the cudgels: toe the line
take up (the) cudgels against (someone or something)
To prepare for or engage in a conflict against someone or something. May or may not refer to literally arming oneself. People from across the country are taking up the cudgels against the dictatorship. We have to be willing to take up the cudgels if we ever want to loosen the grip of these greedy corporations.
take up the cudgel(s)
To defend, show strong support for, or argue on behalf of someone or something. Often followed by "for" or "on behalf of." People from across the country are taking up cudgels on behalf of the young man being held by police. He's got plenty of money to hire a proper legal team. I don't think he needs the likes of us taking up the cudgel.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
take up the cudgels
ortake up the cudgel
If you take up the cudgels for someone or take up the cudgel for them, you speak or fight in support of them. The trade unions took up the cudgels for the 367 staff who were made redundant. We are hoping that the government will take up the cudgel on our behalf. Note: A cudgel was a short, thick stick that was used as a weapon in the past.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
take up the cudgels
start to support someone or something strongly.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
take up the cudgels
To join in a dispute, especially in defense of a participant.
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.