arm-twist

Apply strong persuasion

To arm-twist is to pressure or coerce someone into doing something, typically through persistent persuasion rather than physical force: The senator arm-twisted enough colleagues to pass the bill.

The noun arm-twisting refers to such pressure tactics: It took some arm-twisting, but she finally agreed.

The image is of bending someone's arm behind their back until they comply.

coerce

pressure

Force upon contact

forceStrength or compulsion
compelForce to act
strong-armCoerce through intimidation

bulldoze · railroad · steamroll · browbeat · bully · dragoon · press-gang · squeeze · muscle · push

persuade

convince

Cause to believe

cajolePersuade through flattery
coaxPersuade by gentle urging
wheedlePersuade through flattery

sweet-talk · influence · sway · urge · lobby · soft-sell · negotiate · bargain · entreat · implore

manipulate

maneuver

Deliberate tactical movement

schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
orchestrateArrange complex undertakings
engineerTechnical design professional

finagle · wrangle · finesse · connive · contrive · outmaneuver · game · exploit · play · angle

Opposites

coercion vs. voluntary compliance

arm-twistrequest

Formal act of seeking

invite · entreat · take no for an answer · beseech · appeal to

persuasion method

arm-twistsweet-talk

Flatter to persuade

coax · cajole · woo · charm · win over

forced compliance vs. voluntary action

arm-twistleave alone

Refrain from disturbing

back off · take no for an answer · hands-off · laissez-faire · non-intervention

Family

twist, twisted, twisting, wrist, twister, twisters, arm-twisting

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G