under arms
The phrase "under arms" is commonly used to describe being equipped and ready for combat, often in a military context.
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Definition
B2Military
(formal)Equipped with weapons and ready for combat.
Example
- The troops were under arms, prepared for the impending battle.
C1Law Enforcement
(chiefly Australia, informal)Carrying a weapon, often in the context of a crime.
Example
- The suspect was under arms when apprehended by the police.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "under arms":
axillary hairport armsarm outshoulder armsarm in armorder arms