arm-twist·ing

[ahrm-twis-ting]
noun
the use of threat, coercion, or other forms of pressure and persuasion to achieve one's purpose: It took a lot of arm-twisting but he finally agreed to work this weekend.
Also, arm·twist·ing.


Origin:
1945–50

Dictionary.com Unabridged

arm-twist

[ahrm-twist]
verb (used with object)
to subject to arm-twisting: The unions arm-twisted the government into negotiating by threatening widespread strikes.

Origin:
back formation from arm-twisting

arm-twist·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To arm-twisting
00:10
Arm-twisting is always a great word to know.
So is doohickey. Does it mean:
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
Slang Dictionary

arm-twisting definition


  1. n.
    powerful persuasion. : If nice talk won't work, try a little arm-twisting.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
Cite This Source
Example sentences
After all, if the exchange turns out to be as efficient as is claimed,
  suppliers should need no arm-twisting to use it.
Drug companies need little arm-twisting when it comes to investing their
  resources into diseases that afflict millions.
And given how little capital it takes to persuade a politician these days,
  that's a lot of arm-twisting muscle.
Yet despite such arm-twisting, customers are unlikely to bet solely on
  newcomers.
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