arm up
Acquire defensive weapons
Arm up means to acquire weapons or prepare oneself with firearms, typically in anticipation of conflict or self-defense: Militias across the region are arming up.
The phrase emphasizes active preparation rather than mere possession—getting armed rather than being armed.
It appears frequently in discussions of civilian gun ownership and paramilitary activity.
- mobilizeOrganize for action
- lock and loadPrepare firearm for shooting
- ammunitionWeapon projectiles and charges
- militiaNon-professional armed force
- preparednessState of being equipped
battle ready · grenades · stockpile · gird · artillery · weaponry · shields · swords · combat gear · fortify · military buildup · firearms · battalion · squadron · revolt · bullets · strategy · helmet
arm updisarm
Remove capacity to harm
disarmament · lay down arms · demilitarize · decommission · denuclearize
arm upstand down
Withdraw from readiness
surrender · demobilize · capitulate · submit · back down