[up in arms] {adj. phr.} 1. Equipped with guns or weapons and ready to fight. * /All of the colonies were up in arms against the Redcoats./ Syn.: [IN ARMS]. […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

take up arms

[take up arms] {v. phr.}, {literary} To get ready to fight; fight or make war. * /The people were quick to take up arms to defend their freedom./ * /The […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

in arms

[in arms] {adv. phr.} Having guns and being ready to fight; armed. * /When our country is at war, we have many men in arms./ Syn.: [UP IN ARMS] A Dictionary of American Idioms

lay down one's arms

[lay down one's arms] {v. phr.} To cease fighting; surrender. * /The Civil War ended when the Confederate army finally laid down its arms./ A Dictionary of American Idioms

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Irish proverb

God is not as severe as he is said to be.

cabbage

[cabbage] {n.} 1. A stupid person or someone with no mental abilities whatever. 2. Cloth trimmed from a customer's material by […]

Idioms to Learn Today

New Reading / Flip-Card (learning) set has been shared.Check yourself now! Run flip-cards by definitions or by descriptions.

mince words

[mince words] {v. phr.} To choose words carefully for the sake of politeness or deception. * /I like people who speak […]

off the record

[off the record] (1) {adv. phr.} Confidentially. * /"Off the record," the boss said, "you will get a good raise for next […]

barge in

[barge in] {v. phr.}, {informal} To appear uninvited at someone's house or apartment, or to interrupt a conversation. * /I'm […]

beyond the shadow of a doubt

[beyond the shadow of a doubt] {adv. phr.}, {formal and legal} Absolutely certain, totally convincing. * /Fred burglarized […]

Stephen Leacock

(1869-1944), Canadian humoristeducator, Literary Lapses, 1910 Many a man in love with a dimple makes the mistake of marrying […]