expression |
|
meaning |
| at arm's length |
|
beyond the distance of
an arm when it is outstretched |
| |
|
|
| an armful |
|
the amount that can be carried
under one or both arms |
| |
|
|
| a babe in arms |
|
(1) a small child who is too
young
to
walk (and who must be carried)
(literal)
(2) someone who is naive and
has very little experience
(figurative)
|
| |
|
|
keep someone
at
arm's length |
|
treat someone cooly; avoid
becoming familiar / friendly
with someone |
| |
|
|
| one-armed
bandit |
|
slot
machine (type of
gambling
machine) |
| |
|
|
| strong-arm (verb) |
|
use force or coersion in order
to accomplish something |
| |
|
|
the long arm
of
the law |
|
the authority / power of
a country's law and its ability
to be inforced throughout
the country |
| |
|
|
| up in arms |
|
(1) ready to fight
(2) greatly upset; indignant
|
| |
|
|
| with open arms |
|
warmly; cordially
(usually used with welcome,
greet, receive, and similar verbs)
|
